Pharmaceutical composition having reduced tendency for drug crystallization

ABSTRACT

An orally deliverable pharmaceutical composition is provided comprising a drug of low water solubility, a solvent liquid that comprises at least one pharmaceutically acceptable solvent, and a turbidity-decreasing polymer, wherein (a) a substantial portion, for example at least about 15% by weight, of the drug is in dissolved or solubilized form in the solvent liquid, and (b) the polymer is present in an amount sufficient to substantially inhibit crystallization and/or precipitation of the drug in simulated gastric fluid.

[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. provisional application Serial No. 60/262,555 filed on Jan. 18, 2001 and of U.S. provisional application Serial No. 60/284,608 filed on Apr. 17, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to orally deliverable pharmaceutical compositions that comprise a drug of low water solubility, more particularly to such compositions where the drug is in dissolved form.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Liquid dosage forms, for example solutions suitable for oral administration, have become an important method by which drugs are delivered to subjects, particularly where rapid onset of therapeutic effect is desired. As an alternative to directly imbibable liquid formulations of a drug, it is also known to encapsulate liquid formulations, for example in soft or hard gelatin capsules, to provide a discrete dosage form.

[0004] Unfortunately, many useful drugs have low solubility in water and, therefore, are difficult to formulate at convenient concentrations as solutions in an aqueous vehicle. Even when a suitable solvent is found as a vehicle for such a drug, there is often a tendency, particularly for a crystalline drug of low water solubility, to precipitate out of solution and/or crystallize when the drug comes in contact with water, for example in the aqueous environment of the gastrointestinal tract. Such precipitation and/or re-crystallization can offset or reduce the potential rapid onset benefits sought by formulating the drug as a solution.

[0005] It is known to provide liquid dosage forms, including encapsulated liquid dosage forms, of poorly water-soluble drugs as self-emulsifying formulations. These formulations are generally designed to form an emulsion, in some cases a microemulsion, when mixed with gastrointestinal fluid. Even with a self-emulsifying formulation, however, certain drugs still have a tendency to precipitate and/or crystallize in gastrointestinal fluid.

[0006] Accordingly there remains a need in the art for a means to inhibit precipitation and/or crystallization in gastrointestinal fluid of a poorly water-soluble drug, and in particular for such a means that can be incorporated in a self-emulsifying liquid dosage form.

[0007] An illustrative class of drugs for which this need is apparent is the class of selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitory drugs of low water solubility.

[0008] Numerous compounds have been reported having therapeutically and/or prophylactically useful selective COX-2 inhibitory effect, and have been disclosed as having utility in treatment or prevention of specific COX-2 mediated disorders or of such disorders in general. Among such compounds are a large number of substituted pyrazolyl benzenesulfonamides as reported in U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,823 to Talley et al., including for example the compound 4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide, also referred to herein as celecoxib (I), and the compound 4-[5-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-difluoromethyl)-11H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide, also referred to herein as deracoxib (II).

[0009] Other compounds reported to have therapeutically and/or prophylactically useful selective COX-2 inhibitory effect are substituted isoxazolyl benzenesulfonamides as reported in U.S. Pat. No. 5,633,272 to Talley et al., including the compound 4-[5-methyl-3-phenylisoxazol-4-yl]benzenesulfonamide, also referred to herein as valdecoxib (III).

[0010] Still other compounds reported to have therapeutically and/or prophylactically useful selective COX-2 inhibitory effect are substituted (methylsulfonyl)phenyl furanones as reported in U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,995 to Ducharme et al., including the compound 3-phenyl-4-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-5H-furan-2-one, also referred to herein as rofecoxib (IV).

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,981,576 to Belley et al. discloses a further series of (methylsulfonyl)phenyl furanones said to be useful as selective COX-2 inhibitory drugs, including 3-(1-cyclopropylmethoxy)-5,5-dimethyl-4-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-5H-furan-2-one and 3-(1-cyclopropylethoxy)-5,5-dimethyl-4-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-5H-furan-2-one.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,861,419 to Dube et al. discloses substituted pyridines said to be useful as selective COX-2 inhibitory drugs, including for example the compound 5-chloro-3-(4-methylsulfonyl)phenyl-2-(2-methyl-5-pyridinyl)pyridine, also referred to herein as etoricoxib (V).

[0013] European Patent Application No. 0 863 134 discloses the compound 2-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-3-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-cyclopenten-1-one said to be useful as a selective COX-2 inhibitory drug.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,034,256 to Carter et al. discloses a series of benzopyrans said to be useful as selective COX-2 inhibitory drugs, including the compound (S)-6,8-dichloro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-3-carboxylic acid (VI).

[0015] International Patent Publication No. WO 00/24719 discloses substituted pyridazinones said to be useful as selective COX-2 inhibitory drugs, including the compound 2-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-4-(3-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-butoxy)-5-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-3-(2H)-pyridazinone.

[0016] A need for formulated compositions of selective COX-2 inhibitory drugs, particularly rapid-onset compositions of such drugs, exists. Rapid-onset drug delivery systems can provide many benefits over conventional dosage forms. Generally, rapid-onset preparations provide a more immediate therapeutic effect than standard dosage forms. For example, in the treatment of acute pain, for example in headache or migraine, rapid-onset dosage forms would be useful to provide fast pain relief.

[0017] Australian Patent Applications No. 200042711, No. 200043730 and No. 200043736 disclose compositions comprising a selective COX-2 inhibitory drug, a 5HT₁ receptor agonist and caffeine, said to be useful for treating migraine.

[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,858 to Crison & Amidon discloses an excipient formulation for increasing bioavailability of a poorly water-soluble drug. The formulation is said to be self-microemulsifying and to comprise an oil or other lipid material, a surfactant and a hydrophilic co-surfactant. The choice of surfactant is said to be less critical than the choice of co-surfactant, which reportedly should have an HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) number greater than 8. A preferred example of such a co-surfactant is said to be Labrasol™ of Gattefossé, identified as a product “comprised of medium-chain triglycerides derived from coconut oil” having HLB of 14. A formulation prepared containing 15 mg nifedipine in a size 1 (0.5 ml) capsule, i.e., at a concentration of 30 mg/ml, is described as a “clear solution” at 70° C. but a “semi-solid” at room temperature.

[0019] Cited in above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,858 is prior work by Farah et al. in which a self-microemulsifying formulation was investigated for improving in vitro dissolution of indomethacin. The formulation of Farah et al. reportedly comprised an oil phase material Gelucire™ of Gattefossé Corporation, together with a polyethylene glycol capric/caprylic glyceride product having HLB of 10, a propylene glycol laurate product having HLB of 4, and diethylene glycol monoethyl ether.

[0020] Drugs of low water solubility are sometimes orally administered in suspension in an imbibable aqueous liquid. For example, a suspension of particulate celecoxib in a vehicle of apple juice is disclosed in co-assigned International Patent Publication No. WO 00/32189, incorporated herein by reference. Also disclosed therein is a dilute solution of celecoxib in a mixture of PEG-400 (polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of about 400) and water in a 2:1 ratio by volume.

[0021] The suspension and solution compositions of WO 00/32189 are indicated therein to have comparable bioavailability. However, following oral administration to dogs, the time taken for blood serum celecoxib concentration to reach a maximum level (T_(max)) was shorter for the solution composition than for the suspension.

[0022] Above-cited U.S. Pat. No. 5,760,068 discloses that its subject pyrazolyl benzenesulfonamide compounds, of which celecoxib and deracoxib are examples, can be administered parenterally as isotonic solutions in a range of solvents including polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol. It is also disclosed therein that the subject compounds can alternatively be present in a controlled-release capsule or tablet formulation for oral administration wherein, for example, such a compound is dispersed in hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC).

[0023] Above-cited U.S. Pat. No. 5,633,272 discloses that its subject isoxazolyl benzenesulfonamides, of which valdecoxib is an example, can be administered parenterally as isotonic solutions in a range of solvents including polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol. It is also disclosed therein that the subject compounds can alternatively be present in a controlled-release capsule or tablet formulation for oral administration wherein, for example, such a compound is dispersed in HPMC.

[0024] Above-cited U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,995 discloses that its subject (methylsulfonyl)phenyl furanones, of which rofecoxib is an example, can be administered parenterally in an isotonic solution in 1,3-butanediol. Also disclosed therein are oil-in-water emulsions, syrups and elixirs for oral administration, formulated with a sweetening agent such as propylene glycol, and aqueous suspensions formulated with suspending agents including methylcellulose and HPMC.

[0025] Above-cited U.S. Pat. No. 5,861,419 discloses that its subject substituted pyridines, of which etoricoxib is an example, can be administered parenterally in an isotonic solution in 1,3-butanediol. Also disclosed therein are oil-in-water emulsions, syrups and elixirs for oral administration, formulated with a sweetening agent such as propylene glycol, and aqueous suspensions formulated with suspending agents including methylcellulose and HPMC.

[0026] Many selective COX-2 inhibitory compounds, including celecoxib, deracoxib, valdecoxib, rofecoxib and etoricoxib, have low solubility in aqueous media. In addition, some, for example celecoxib, have relatively high dose requirements. These properties present practical problems in formulating concentrated solutions of selective COX-2 inhibitory drugs for rapid-onset, oral administration. With respect to such high dose, low solubility drugs, the size of the capsule or volume of solution required to provide a therapeutic dose becomes a limiting factor. For example, a drug that has a solubility of 10 mg/ml in a given solvent and a therapeutic dose of 400 mg/day would require ingestion of 40 ml of solution. Such a volume can be inconvenient or unacceptable for consumption in imbibable form; this volume also presents particular problems where an encapsulated dosage form is desired because capsules that contain more than about 1.0 ml to about 1.5 ml of liquid are generally considered to be too large for comfortable swallowing. Thus, where a solution is administered in capsule form, multiple capsules would need to be ingested in order to provide the required dose. To avoid such problems, a solvent must be selected wherein the drug has relatively high solubility.

[0027] As described hereinbelow, treatment with selective COX-2 inhibitory drugs of low water solubility is indicated in a very wide array of COX-2 mediated disorders and conditions. Therefore, if the problem of precipitation or crystallization in gastrointestinal fluid from a solution formulation, for example a self-emulsifying formulation, could be overcome, a significant advance would be realized in treatment of COX-2 mediated conditions and disorders, particularly in treatment of acute disorders where early relief from pain or other symptoms is desired. It would represent an especially important advance in the art to provide an effective method of treatment of acute pain, for example in headache or migraine, using such a formulation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0028] There is now provided an orally deliverable pharmaceutical composition comprising a drug of low water solubility, a solvent liquid that comprises at least one pharmaceutically acceptable solvent, and a turbidity-decreasing polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer is a cellulosic polymer having at least a portion of substitutable hydroxyl groups substituted by methoxyl and/or hydroxypropoxyl groups, wherein (a) a substantial portion, for example at least about 15% by weight, of the drug is in dissolved or solubilized form in the solvent liquid, and (b) the polymer is present in an amount sufficient to substantially inhibit crystallization and/or precipitation of the drug in simulated gastric fluid.

[0029] Whether a given polymer is a “turbidity-decreasing polymer” herein can be determined according to Test I described hereinbelow.

[0030] The term “solvent liquid” herein encompasses all of the components of the liquid medium in which a particular drug is dissolved or solubilized, with the exception of a polymer component as defined above. Thus the “solvent liquid” includes not only one or more solvents but optionally additional excipients such as co-solvents, surfactants, co-surfactants, antioxidants, sweeteners, flavoring agents, colorants, etc.

[0031] In a presently preferred composition of the invention, substantially all of the drug is in dissolved or solubilized form in the solvent liquid and substantially none of the drug is in solid particulate form. Such a composition is referred to herein as a “solution”. It is particularly preferred that the solution is finely self-emulsifiable in simulated gastric fluid, as described hereinbelow.

[0032] An alternative composition of the invention comprises, in addition to a first portion of the drug in dissolved or solubilized form, a second portion of the drug in particulate form dispersed in the solvent liquid. In this embodiment, part of the drug is in solution and part is in suspension. Such a composition is referred to herein as a “solution/suspension”.

[0033] “Simulated gastric fluid”, abbreviated herein to “SGF”, is an aqueous solution of 0.01M hydrochloric acid and 0.15M sodium chloride, having a pH of about 2.

[0034] In a presently preferred embodiment, the solution or solution/suspension is encapsulated in one or more capsules having a wall that breaks down in gastrointestinal fluid to release the drug within a short period of time after entry into the gastrointestinal tract.

[0035] The turbidity-decreasing polymer as defined herein is sometimes herein referred to as a “crystallization inhibitor”. This crystallization inhibitor can be present (a) in solution or suspension in the solvent liquid, and/or (b) as a component of a capsule wall.

[0036] In one embodiment, there is provided an orally deliverable pharmaceutical composition comprising a finely self-emulsifiable liquid formulation of a drug of low water solubility, encapsulated within a capsule wall that comprises a turbidity-decreasing polymer, preferably a turbidity-decreasing cellulosic polymer having at least a portion of substitutable hydroxyl groups substituted by methoxyl and/or hydroxypropoxyl groups, in an amount effective to substantially inhibit crystallization and/or precipitation of the drug in simulated gastric fluid. Preferably the capsule wall consists predominantly of a turbidity-decreasing cellulosic polymer, for example HPMC.

[0037] This embodiment can be seen to be part of a broader embodiment of the invention, according to which there is provided an orally deliverable pharmaceutical composition comprising a drug of low water solubility in a high energy phase together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, encapsulated within a capsule wall that comprises a turbidity-decreasing polymer, preferably a turbidity-decreasing cellulosic polymer having at least a portion of substitutable hydroxyl groups substituted by methoxyl and/or hydroxypropoxyl groups, in an amount effective to substantially inhibit crystallization and/or precipitation of the drug in simulated gastric fluid.

[0038] A “high energy phase” herein is any form of the drug, including solids, salts of bases or acids, semi-solids and liquids, that exhibits a more rapid dissolution rate and/or a greater tendency for supersaturation in an aqueous medium than the most thermodynamically stable crystalline form of the drug. Thus in this embodiment, the drug can be in any high energy phase, for example in a solid state particulate form other than the lowest energy crystalline form (e.g., in amorphous form).

[0039] Compositions of the invention are illustratively useful where the drug is a selective COX-2 inhibitory drug, and have been found to resolve at least some of the difficulties alluded to above in a surprisingly effective manner. Thus, according to the invention, a drug of low water solubility is now presented in a high energy phase, for example in a finely self-emulsifiable solution formulation, with greatly reduced tendency to precipitate and/or crystallize upon release into gastrointestinal fluid, as indicated for example by in vitro release into SGF. Preferably such formulations are presented in a dosage form that is convenient for oral administration. Formulations of the invention are particularly advantageous because they permit a high concentration of the drug, are suitable for encapsulation and, following oral administration thereof, can permit rapid absorption of the drug into the bloodstream through inhibition of precipitation and/or crystallization of the drug. By virtue of this rapid absorption, formulations of the invention can provide rapid onset of therapeutic action.

[0040] It can be theorized that a poorly water-soluble drug can provide more rapid onset of therapeutic effect when orally administered in solution, particularly a self-emulsifiable solution, than in particulate form because the process of dissolution in the gastrointestinal tract is not required. An even greater advantage by comparison with a solid formulation such as a tablet can be postulated because neither disintegration nor dissolution is required in the case of the solution composition.

[0041] Additionally, a drug administered in imbibable solution can be available for absorption higher in the alimentary tract, for example, in the mouth and esophagus, than one that becomes available for absorption only upon disintegration of the carrier formulation in the stomach or bowel.

[0042] A further advantage of liquid dosage forms such as imbibable solutions and solution/suspensions for many subjects is that these dosage forms are easy to swallow. A yet further advantage of imbibable liquid dosage forms is that metering of doses is continuously variable, providing infinite dose flexibility. The benefits of ease of swallowing and dose flexibility are particularly advantageous for infants, children and the elderly.

[0043] When encapsulated, a solution or solution/suspension can provide the subject with the beneficial rapid absorption characteristics associated with liquid formulations in addition to the convenience of a discrete, easy to swallow capsule form.

[0044] The highly concentrated solutions permitted by the present invention are beneficial for several reasons. First, concentrated solutions are less costly to package and easier to transport and handle than dilute solutions. Second, concentrated solutions provide flexibility in administration as they can be administered with any desired degree of dilution. And third, concentrated drug solutions, especially when encapsulated, do not require consumption of large volumes of fluid, which can be uncomfortable for many patient populations.

[0045] In one embodiment, a method of analgesia is provided comprising orally administering, to a subject in need of analgesia, an effective pain-relieving amount of a selective COX-2 inhibitory drug composition of the invention. In another embodiment, a method of treatment and/or prevention of headache or migraine is provided comprising orally administering, to a subject in need of such treatment or prevention, a selective COX-2 inhibitory drug composition of the invention and a vasomodulator, for example a methylxanthine, wherein the selective COX-2 inhibitory drug and the vasomodulator are administered in effective pain-relieving total and relative amounts. The selective COX-2 inhibitory drug and the vasomodulator can be administered as components of separate compositions or of a single composition. Such a single composition comprising (a) a selective COX-2 inhibitory drug, formulated as provided herein, and (b) a vasomodulator, is a further embodiment of the invention. A presently preferred methylxanthine is caffeine.

[0046] Other features of this invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047]FIG. 1 shows in vitro dissolution behavior in SGF of celecoxib compositions SF-1A, SF-1B, and SF-1C of Example 2.

[0048]FIG. 2 shows in vitro dissolution behavior in SGF of celecoxib compositions SF-2A and SF-3B of the invention by comparison with celecoxib composition SF-3A, all as described in Example 3.

[0049]FIG. 3 shows in vitro dissolution behavior in SGF of celecoxib composition SF-4A of the invention by comparison with celecoxib composition SF4B, both as described in Example 4.

[0050]FIG. 4 shows in vivo bioavailability of celecoxib after oral administration of celecoxib test compositions SF-5A and SF-7A of the invention by comparison with celecoxib composition SF-6A, all as described in Example 5, to fasting dogs.

[0051]FIG. 5 shows in vitro dissolution behavior of comparative paclitaxel solution formulation SF-8 and of solution formulation SF-9 of the invention, both as described in Example 7, in SGF.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] Novel pharmaceutical compositions according to the present invention comprise one or more orally deliverable dose units. The term “orally deliverable” herein means suitable for oral administration. The term “oral administration” herein includes any form of delivery of a therapeutic agent or a composition thereof to a subject wherein the agent or composition is placed in the mouth of the subject, whether or not the agent or composition is swallowed. Thus “oral administration” includes buccal and sublingual as well as esophageal administration. Absorption of the agent can occur in any part or parts of the gastrointestinal tract including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon. The term “dose unit” herein means a portion of a pharmaceutical composition that contains an amount of a therapeutic agent suitable for a single oral administration to provide a therapeutic effect. Typically one dose unit, or a small plurality (up to about 4) of dose units, provides a sufficient amount of the agent to result in the desired effect.

[0053] Drug of Low Water Solubility

[0054] Each dose unit or small plurality of dose units comprises, in a therapeutically and/or prophylactically effective total amount, a drug of low water solubility. A “drug of low water solubility” or “poorly water solubility drug” herein refers to any drug compound having a solubility in water, measured at 37° C., not greater than about 10 mg/ml, and preferably not greater than about 1 mg/ml. It is contemplated that compositions of the invention are especially advantageous for drugs having a solubility in water, measured at 37° C., not greater than about 0.1 mg/ml.

[0055] Solubility in water for many drugs can be readily determined from standard pharmaceutical reference books, for example

[0056] The Merck Index, 11th ed., 1989 (published by Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J.); the United States Pharmacopoeia, 24th ed. (USP 24), 2000; The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 29th ed., 1989 (published by Pharmaceutical Press, London); and the Physicians Desk Reference (PDR), 2001 ed. published by Medical Economics Co., Montvale, N.J.), each of which is individually incorporated herein by reference.

[0057] For example, individual drugs of low solubility as defined herein include those drugs categorized as “slightly soluble”, “very slightly soluble”, “practically insoluble” and “insoluble” in USP 24, pp. 2254-2298; and those drugs categorized as requiring 100 ml or more of water to dissolve 1 g of the drug, as listed in USP 24, pp. 2299-2304.

[0058] Illustratively, suitable drugs of low water solubility include, without limitation, drugs from the following classes: abortifacients, ACE inhibitors, α- and β-adrenergic agonists, α- and β-adrenergic blockers, adrenocortical suppressants, adrenocorticotropic hormones, alcohol deterrents, aldose reductase inhibitors, aldosterone antagonists, anabolics, analgesics (including narcotic and non-narcotic analgesics), androgens, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, anorexics, antacids, anthelminthics, antiacne agents, antiallergics, antialopecia agents, antiamebics, antiandrogens, antianginal agents, antiarrhythmics, antiarteriosclerotics, antiarthritic/antirheumatic agents (including selective COX-2 inhibitors), antiasthmatics, antibacterials, antibacterial adjuncts, anticholinergics, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antidiabetics, antidiarrheal agents, antidiuretics, antidotes to poison, antidyskinetics, antieczematics, antiemetics, antiestrogens, antifibrotics, antiflatulents, antifungals, antiglaucoma agents, antigonadotropins, antigout agents, antihistaminics, antihyperactives, antihyperlipoproteinemics, antihyperphosphatemics, antihypertensives, antihyperthyroid agents, antihypotensives, antihypothyroid agents, anti-inflammatories, antimalarials, antimanics, antimethemoglobinemics, antimigraine agents, antimuscarinics, antimycobacterials, antineoplastic agents and adjuncts, antineutropenics, antiosteoporotics, antipagetics, antiparkinsonian agents, antipheochromocytoma agents, antipneumocystis agents, antiprostatic hypertrophy agents, antiprotozoals, antipruritics, antipsoriatics, antipsychotics, antipyretics, antirickettsials, antiseborrheics, antiseptics/disinfectants, antispasmodics, antisyphylitics, antithrombocythemics, antithrombotics, antitussives, antiulceratives, antiurolithics, antivenins, antiviral agents, anxiolytics, aromatase inhibitors, astringents, benzodiazepine antagonists, bone resorption inhibitors, bradycardic agents, bradykinin antagonists, bronchodilators, calcium channel blockers, calcium regulators, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, cardiotonics, CCK antagonists, chelating agents, cholelitholytic agents, choleretics, cholinergics, cholinesterase inhibitors, cholinesterase reactivators, CNS stimulants, contraceptives, debriding agents, decongestants, depigmentors, dermatitis herpetiformis suppressants, digestive aids, diuretics, dopamine receptor agonists, dopamine receptor antagonists, ectoparasiticides, emetics, enkephalinase inhibitors, enzymes, enzyme cofactors, estrogens, expectorants, fibrinogen receptor antagonists, fluoride supplements, gastric and pancreatic secretion stimulants, gastric cytoprotectants, gastric proton pump inhibitors, gastric secretion inhibitors, gastroprokinetics, glucocorticoids, α-glucosidase inhibitors, gonad-stimulating principles, growth hormone inhibitors, growth hormone releasing factors, growth stimulants, hematinics, hematopoietics, hemolytics, hemostatics, heparin antagonists, hepatic enzyme inducers, hepatoprotectants, histamine H₂ receptor antagonists, HIV protease inhibitors, HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, immunomodulators, immunosuppressants, insulin sensitizers, ion exchange resins, keratolytics, lactation stimulating hormones, laxatives/cathartics, leukotriene antagonists, LH-RH agonists, lipotropics, 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors, lupus erythematosus suppressants, matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, mineralocorticoids, miotics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, mucolytics, muscle relaxants, mydriatics, narcotic antagonists, neuroprotectives, nootropics, ovarian hormones, oxytocics, pepsin inhibitors, pigmentation agents, plasma volume expanders, potassium channel activators/openers, progestogens, prolactin inhibitors, prostaglandins, protease inhibitors, radio-pharmaceuticals, 5α-reductase inhibitors, respiratory stimulants, reverse transcriptase inhibitors, sedatives/hypnotics, serenics, serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, serotonin receptor agonists, serotonin receptor antagonists, serotonin uptake inhibitors, somatostatin analogs, thrombolytics, thromboxane A₂ receptor antagonists, thyroid hormones, thyrotropic hormones, tocolytics, topoisomerase I and II inhibitors, uricosurics, vasomodulators including vasodilators and vasoconstrictors, vasoprotectants, xanthine oxidase inhibitors, and combinations thereof.

[0059] Non-limiting illustrative examples of suitable drugs of low water solubility include, for example, acetohexamide, acetylsalicylic acid, alclofenac, allopurinol, atropine, benzthiazide, carprofen, celecoxib, chlordiazepoxide, chlorpromazine, clonidine, codeine, codeine phosphate, codeine sulfate, deracoxib, diacerein, diclofenac, diltiazem, estradiol, etodolac, etoposide, etoricoxib, fenbufen, fenclofenac, fenprofen, fentiazac, flurbiprofen, griseofulvin, haloperidol, ibuprofen, indomethacin, indoprofen, ketoprofen, lorazepam, medroxyprogesterone acetate, megestrol, methoxsalen, methylprednisone, morphine, morphine sulfate, naproxen, nicergoline, nifedipine, niflumic, oxaprozin, oxazepam, oxyphenbutazone, paclitaxel, phenindione, phenobarbital, piroxicam, pirprofen, prednisolone, prednisone, procaine, progesterone, pyrimethamine, rofecoxib, sulfadiazine, sulfamerazine, sulfisoxazole, sulindac, suprofen, temazepam, tiaprofenic acid, tilomisole, tolmetic, valdecoxib, etc.

[0060] The amount of drug incorporated in a dosage form of the invention can be selected according to known principles of pharmacy. A therapeutically effective amount of drug is specifically contemplated. The term “therapeutically and/or prophylactically effective amount” as used herein refers to an amount of drug that is sufficient to elicit the required or desired therapeutic and/or prophylactic response. Typically, the drug will be present in a total amount of about 1% to about 75% by weight of the composition.

[0061] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the drug is a selective COX-2 inhibitory drug of low water solubility. Any such selective COX-2 inhibitory drug known in the art can be used, including without limitation compounds disclosed in the patents and publications listed below, each of which is individually incorporated herein by reference.

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[0210] European Patent Application No. 0 985 666.

[0211] Compositions of the invention are especially useful for compounds having the formula (VIII):

[0212] where R³ is a methyl or amino group, R⁴ is hydrogen or a C₁₋₄ alkyl or alkoxy group, X is N or CR⁵ where R⁵ is hydrogen or halogen, and Y and Z are independently carbon or nitrogen atoms defining adjacent atoms of a five- to six-membered ring that is unsubstituted or substituted at one or more positions with oxo, halo, methyl or halomethyl groups. Preferred such five- to six-membered rings are cyclopentenone, furanone, methylpyrazole, isoxazole and pyridine rings substituted at no more than one position.

[0213] Illustratively, celecoxib, deracoxib, valdecoxib, rofecoxib, etoricoxib, 2-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-3-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-cyclopenten-1-one, (S)-6,8-dichloro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-3-carboxylic acid and 2-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-4-(3-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-butoxy)-5-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-3-(2H)-pyridazinone, more particularly celecoxib, valdecoxib, rofecoxib and etoricoxib, and still more particularly celecoxib and valdecoxib, are useful in the method and composition of the invention.

[0214] The invention is illustrated herein with particular reference to celecoxib, and it will be understood that any other selective COX-2 inhibitory drug of low solubility in water can, if desired, be substituted in whole or in part for celecoxib in compositions herein described. For example, compositions of the invention are suitable for formulation of valdecoxib, alone or in combination with celecoxib.

[0215] Where the drug is celecoxib, the composition typically comprises celecoxib in a therapeutically and/or prophylactically effective total amount of about 10 mg to about 1000 mg per dose unit. Where the drug is a selective COX-2 inhibitory drug other than celecoxib, the amount of the drug per dose unit is therapeutically equivalent to about 10 mg to about 1000 mg of celecoxib.

[0216] It will be understood that a therapeutically and/or prophylactically effective amount of a drug for a subject is dependent inter alia on the body weight of the subject. A “subject” herein to which a therapeutic agent or composition thereof can be administered includes a human patient of either sex and of any age, and also includes any nonhuman animal, particularly a domestic or companion animal, illustratively a cat, dog or horse.

[0217] Where the subject is a child or a small animal (e.g., a dog), for example, an amount of celecoxib relatively low in the preferred range of about 10 mg to about 1000 mg is likely to be consistent with therapeutic effectiveness. Where the subject is an adult human or a large animal (e.g., a horse), therapeutic effectiveness is likely to require dose units containing a relatively greater amount of celecoxib. For an adult human, a therapeutically effective amount of celecoxib per dose unit in a composition of the present invention is typically about 50 mg to about 400 mg. Especially preferred amounts of celecoxib per dose unit are about 100 mg to about 200 mg, for example about 100 mg or about 200 mg.

[0218] For other selective COX-2 inhibitory drugs, an amount of the drug per dose unit can be in a range known to be therapeutically effective for such drugs. Preferably, the amount per dose unit is in a range providing therapeutic equivalence to celecoxib in the dose ranges indicated immediately above.

[0219] Form of Compositions of the Invention

[0220] Compositions of the present invention are preferably in the form of a concentrated solution that may or may not be encapsulated as a discrete article. If encapsulated, preferably a single such article or a small plurality (up to about 10, more preferably no more than about 4) of such articles is sufficient to provide the daily dose. Alternatively, compositions of the present invention are in the form of a concentrated imbibable liquid. The phrase “imbibable liquid” is used herein to refer to an unencapsulated substantially homogeneous flowable mass, such as a solution or solution/suspension, administered orally and swallowed in liquid form and from which single dose units are measurably removable. The term “substantially homogeneous” with reference to a pharmaceutical composition that comprises several components means that the components are sufficiently mixed such that individual components are not present as discrete layers and do not form concentration gradients within the composition.

[0221] A particular dose unit can be selected to accommodate the desired frequency of administration used to achieve a specified daily dose. For example, a daily dosage amount of 400 mg can be accommodated by administration of one 200 mg dose unit, or two 100 mg dose units, twice a day. The amount of the composition that is administered and the dosage regimen for treating the condition or disorder will depend on a variety of factors, including the age, weight, sex and medical condition of the subject, the nature and severity of the condition or disorder, the route and frequency of administration, and the particular drug selected, and thus may vary widely. It is contemplated, however, that for most purposes a once-a-day or twice-a-day administration regimen provides the desired therapeutic efficacy.

[0222] A composition of the invention comprises a drug of low water solubility, at least a portion of which is in dissolved or solubilized form in a solvent liquid suitable for oral administration.

[0223] The solvent liquid comprises at least one pharmaceutically acceptable solvent and optionally one or more additional components, including pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The term “excipient” herein means any substance, not itself a therapeutic agent, used as a carrier or vehicle for delivery of a therapeutic agent to a subject or added to a pharmaceutical composition to improve its handling, storage, disintegration, dispersion, dissolution, release or organoleptic properties or to permit or facilitate formation of a dose unit of the composition into a discrete article such as a capsule suitable for oral administration. Excipients can include, by way of illustration and not limitation, diluents, disintegrants, dispersants, binding agents, adhesives, wetting agents, lubricants, glidants, crystallization inhibitors, stabilizers, antioxidants, substances added to mask or counteract a disagreeable taste or odor, flavors, dyes, fragrances, preservatives, and substances added to improve appearance of the composition.

[0224] Such optional additional components should be physically and chemically compatible with the other ingredients of the composition and should not be deleterious to the recipient. Importantly, some of the above-listed classes of excipients overlap each other. Compositions of the present invention can be adapted for administration by any suitable oral route by selection of appropriate solvent liquid components and a dosage of the drug effective for the treatment intended. Accordingly, components employed in the solvent liquid can themselves be solids, semi-solids, liquids, or combinations thereof.

[0225] An imbibable composition of the invention can be in the form of, for example, a solution, a solution/suspension, an elixir, a syrup, or any other liquid form reasonably adapted for oral administration. Such compositions can also comprise excipients selected from, for example, emulsifying and suspending agents, sweetening and flavoring agents, surfactants and co-surfactants.

[0226] Alternatively, as described in detail below, a composition of the present invention can be prepared in the form of discrete unit dose articles, for example, capsules having a wall that illustratively comprises gelatin and/or a cellulosic polymer such as HPMC, each capsule containing a liquid composition comprising a predetermined amount of drug in a solvent liquid. The liquid composition within the capsule is released by breakdown of the wall on contact with gastrointestinal fluid. The particular mechanism of capsule wall breakdown is not important and can include such mechanisms as erosion, degradation, dissolution, etc.

[0227] Compositions of the invention can be prepared by any suitable method of pharmacy that includes the step of bringing into association the drug and the components of the solvent liquid. In general, celecoxib compositions of the invention are prepared by uniformly and intimately admixing celecoxib with a solvent liquid in such a way that at least a portion, preferably substantially all, of the celecoxib is dissolved or solubilized in the solvent liquid; and then, if desired, encapsulating the resulting solution or solution/suspension, for example in hard or soft capsules.

[0228] A preferred embodiment of the invention is a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a drug of low water solubility, for example celecoxib or valdecoxib, substantially completely dissolved in a solvent liquid comprising at least one pharmaceutically acceptable solvent. In this embodiment, substantially no part of the drug is present in solid particulate form. Compositions of this embodiment can be formulated either in an imbibable or discrete dosage form (e.g., encapsulated). Such compositions further comprise a crystallization inhibitor as more fully described below, the crystallization inhibitor being present in the solvent liquid and/or as a component of a capsule wall. Preferably, concentrated solutions of this embodiment have a drug concentration of about 10% to about 75%, more preferably about 20% to about 75%, by weight of the composition.

[0229] Solvent

[0230] A preferred solvent is a glycol or glycol ether. Suitable glycol ethers include those conforming to formula (IX):

R¹—O—((CH₂)_(m)O)_(n)—R²  (IX)

[0231] wherein R¹ and R² are independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkenyl, phenyl or benzyl groups, but no more than one of R¹ and R² is hydrogen; m is an integer of 2 to about 5; and n is an integer of 1 to about 20. It is preferred that one of R¹ and R² is a C₁₋₄ alkyl group and the other is hydrogen or a C₁₋₄ alkyl group; more preferably at least one of R¹ and R² is a methyl or ethyl group. It is preferred that m is 2. It is preferred that n is an integer of 1 to about 4, more preferably 2.

[0232] Glycol ethers used as solvents in compositions of the present invention typically have a molecular weight of about 75 to about 1000, preferably about 75 to about 500, and more preferably about 100 to about 300. Importantly, the glycol ethers used in compositions of the present invention must be pharmaceutically acceptable and must meet all other conditions prescribed herein.

[0233] Non-limiting examples of glycol ethers that may be used in compositions of the present invention include ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol dibutyl ether, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, ethylene glycol monobenzyl ether, ethylene glycol butylphenyl ether, ethylene glycol terpinyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol divinyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol dibutyl ether, diethylene glycol monoisobutyl ether, triethylene glycol dimethyl ether, triethylene glycol monoethyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether, and mixtures thereof. See for example Flick (1998): Industrial Solvents Handbook, 5th ed., Noyes Data Corporation, Westwood, N.J. A particularly suitable glycol ether solvent is diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, sometimes referred to in the art as DGME or ethoxydiglycol. It is available for example under the trademark Transcutol™ of Gattefossé Corporation.

[0234] Glycols suitable as solvents in compositions of the present invention include propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and polyethylene glycols. A presently preferred solvent is polyethylene glycol (PEG).

[0235] Any pharmaceutically acceptable PEG can be used. Preferably, the PEG has an average molecular weight of about 100 to about 10,000, and more preferably about 100 to about 1,000. Still more preferably, the PEG is of liquid grade. Non-limiting examples of PEGs that can be used in solvent liquids of this invention include PEG-200, PEG-350, PEG-400, PEG-540 and PEG-600. See for example Flick (1998), op. cit., p. 392. A presently preferred PEG has an average molecular weight of about 375 to about 450, as exemplified by PEG-400.

[0236] PEGs such as PEG-400 have many desirable properties as solvents for poorly water-soluble drugs. In the case of celecoxib, for example, the drug can be dissolved or solubilized at a very high concentration in PEG-400, enabling formulation of a therapeutically effective dose in a very small volume of solvent liquid. This is especially important where the resulting solution is to be encapsulated, as capsules of a size convenient for swallowing can be prepared containing a therapeutically effective dose even of a drug such as celecoxib having a relatively high dose requirement for efficacy.

[0237] However, a solution composition of a poorly water-soluble drug in a solvent such as PEG exhibits a strong tendency for the drug to crystallize or precipitate when diluted in an aqueous medium such as that found in the gastrointestinal tract. This problem can be studied by adding such a composition, whether encapsulated or not, to SGF in an in vitro test. According to the present invention, a surprisingly effective solution to this problem has been found through use of a crystallization inhibitor.

[0238] Crystallization Inhibitor

[0239] We have discovered that certain polymers can substantially inhibit precipitation and/or crystallization of a poorly water-soluble drug, when a solution of the drug in a substantially non-aqueous solvent is exposed to SGF. Accordingly, compositions of the present invention comprise a crystallization inhibitor comprising at least one polymer. The polymer can be a cellulosic or non-cellulosic polymer and is preferably substantially water-soluble.

[0240] It will be understood that certain polymers are more effective at inhibiting precipitation and/or crystallization of a selected poorly water soluble drug than others, and that not all polymers inhibit precipitation and/or crystallization as described herein of every poorly water-soluble drug. Whether a particular polymer is useful as a crystallization inhibitor for a particular poorly water soluble drug according to the present invention can be readily determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, for example according to Test I.

[0241] Test I:

[0242] A. A suitable amount of the drug is dissolved in a solvent (e.g., ethanol, dimethyl sulfoxide or, where the drug is an acid or base, water) to obtain a concentrated drug solution.

[0243] B. A volume of water or buffered solution with a fixed pH is placed in a first vessel and maintained at room temperature.

[0244] C. An aliquot of the concentrated drug solution is added to the contents of the first vessel to obtain a first sample solution having a desired target drug concentration. The drug concentration selected should be one which produces substantial precipitation and consequently higher apparent absorbance (i.e., turbidity) than a saturated solution having no such precipitation.

[0245] D. A test polymer is selected and, in a second vessel, the polymer is dissolved in water or a buffered solution with a fixed pH (identical in composition, pH and volume to that used in step C) in an amount sufficient to form a 0.25%-2% w/w polymer solution.

[0246] E. To form a second sample solution, an aliquot of the concentrated drug solution prepared in step A is added to the polymer solution in the second vessel to form a sample solution having a final drug concentration equal to that of the first sample solution.

[0247] F. At 60 minutes after preparation of both sample solutions, apparent absorbance (i.e., turbidity) of each sample solution is measured using light having a wavelength of 650 nm;

[0248] G. If the turbidity of the second sample solution is less than the turbidity of the first sample solution, the test polymer is deemed to be a “turbidity-decreasing polymer” and is useful as a crystallization inhibitor for the test drug.

[0249] A technician performing Test I will readily find a suitable polymer concentration for the test within the polymer concentration range provided above, by routine experimentation. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a concentration of the polymer is selected such that when Test I is performed, the apparent absorbance of the second sample solution is not greater than about 50% of the apparent absorbance of the first sample solution.

[0250] In another embodiment, compositions of the invention comprise a crystallization inhibitor comprising at least one cellulosic polymer. Preferred cellulosic polymers are selected from HPMC, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and hydroxypropylcellulose. More preferably, the at least one cellulosic polymer is selected from cellulosic polymers having at least a portion of substitutable hydroxyl groups substituted with methoxyl and/or hydroxypropoxyl groups. Still more preferably, the at least one cellulosic polymer is HPMC.

[0251] HPMC useful as a crystallization inhibitor according to the invention preferably has a viscosity, 2% in water, of about 100 to about 20,000 cP. HPMCs vary in the degree of substitution of available hydroxyl groups on the cellulosic backbone by methoxyl groups and by hydroxypropoxyl groups. With increasing hydroxypropoxyl substitution, the resulting HPMC becomes more hydrophilic in nature. It is preferred to use HPMC having about 15% to about 35%, more preferably about 19% to about 30%, and most preferably about 19% to about 24%, methoxyl substitution, and having about 3% to about 15%, more preferably about 4% to about 12%, and most preferably about 7% to about 12%, hydroxypropoxyl substitution.

[0252] Suitable HPMCs that are relatively hydrophilic in nature are illustratively available under the brand names Methocel™ of Dow Chemical Co. and Metolose™ of Shin-Etsu Chemical Co.

[0253] An illustrative presently preferred HPMC is one with substitution type 2208, denoting about 19% to about 24% methoxyl substitution and about 7% to about 12% hydroxypropoxyl substitution, and with a nominal viscosity, 2% in water, of about 4000 cP.

[0254] Surprisingly, it has been found that the crystallization inhibitor need not be a component of the solvent liquid. Optionally, as described below, a crystallization inhibitor such as HPMC can be a component of a capsule wall wherein a solution composition of the invention is encapsulated. In one embodiment, substantially no HPMC or other crystallization inhibitor is present in the solvent liquid but the capsule wall comprises a crystallization inhibitor such as HPMC. The capsule wall can even consist predominantly of such a crystallization inhibitor.

[0255] The crystallization inhibitor is preferably present in a total amount sufficient to substantially inhibit drug crystallization and/or precipitation upon dilution of the composition in SGF. An amount sufficient to “substantially inhibit drug crystallization and/or precipitation” herein means an amount sufficient to prevent, slow, inhibit or delay precipitation of drug from solution and/or to prevent, slow, inhibit or delay formation of crystalline drug particles from dissolved drug particles. For practical purposes, whether an amount of crystallization inhibitor in a given test composition is sufficient to substantially inhibit drug crystallization and/or precipitation can be determined according to Test II, which can also be used to determine whether a particular polymer component is useful as a crystallization inhibitor in a particular composition of the invention.

[0256] Test II:

[0257] A. A volume of a test composition, either in unencapsulated or encapsulated form, having a polymer component is placed in a volume of SGF to form a mixture having a fixed ratio of about 1 g to about 2 g of the composition per 100 ml of SGF.

[0258] B. The mixture is maintained at a constant temperature of about 37° C. and is stirred using type II paddles (USP 24) at a rate of 75 rpm for a period of 4 hours.

[0259] C. At one or more time-points after at least about 15 minutes of stirring but before about 4 hours of stirring, an aliquot of the mixture is drawn and filtered, for example through a non-sterile Acrodisc™ syringe filter with a 0.8 μm Versapor™ membrane.

[0260] D. Filtrate is collected in a vessel.

[0261] E. Drug concentration in the filtrate is measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

[0262] F. The test is repeated identically with a comparative composition that is substantially similar to the test composition except that it lacks the polymer component. Where the polymer component in the test composition is present in the solvent liquid, it is replaced in the comparative composition by polyethylene glycol solvent. Where the polymer component in the test composition is present in a capsule wall, it is replaced in the comparative composition with gelatin.

[0263] G. If the drug concentration in the filtrate resulting from the test composition is greater than that in the filtrate resulting from the comparative composition, the polymer component present in the test composition is deemed to substantially inhibit crystallization and/or precipitation of the drug in SGF.

[0264] A crystallization inhibitor such as HPMC, when present in the solvent liquid, is generally present in a total amount of about 1% to about 20%, preferably about 1% to about 15%, and most preferably about 1% to about 10%, by weight of the solvent liquid. Typically, the higher the drug concentration in the composition, the more of the cellulosic polymer will be required to provide a crystallization-inhibiting effect. In general, the cellulosic polymer and drug are present in a ratio of about 1:100 to about 1:1, preferably about 1:50 to about 1:1 and more preferably about 1:25 to about 1:1, by weight.

[0265] Use of a crystallization inhibitor as provided herein can in some situations permit a reduction in the amount of surfactant in a solution composition, particularly in a self-emulsifying solution composition. This can be beneficial because of undesirable side-effects of certain surfactants when administered orally in large amounts. Such side-effects include irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, foaming, which can lead to gas entrapment, and, in some cases, anaphylactoid reactions that can be life-threatening.

[0266] Other Excipients

[0267] Compositions of the invention optionally contain pharmaceutically acceptable excipients other than a solvent and a crystallization inhibitor. In the case of a solution composition, for example, such excipients can include co-solvents, sweeteners, antioxidants, preservatives, dispersants, emulsifying agents, etc. Through selection and combination of excipients, compositions can be provided exhibiting improved performance with respect to drug concentration, dissolution, dispersion, emulsification, efficacy, flavor, patient compliance and other properties.

[0268] A composition, particularly a solution composition, of the invention optionally comprises one or more pharmaceutically acceptable co-solvents. Non-limiting examples of suitable co-solvents include additional glycols, alcohols, for example ethanol and n-butanol; oleic and linoleic acid triglycerides, for example soybean oil; caprylic/capric triglycerides, for example Miglyol™ 812 of Huls; caprylic/capric mono- and diglycerides, for example Capmul™ MCM of Abitec; polyoxyethylene caprylic/capric glycerides such as polyoxyethylene (8) caprylic/capric mono- and diglycerides, for example Labrasol™ of Gattefossé; propylene glycol fatty acid esters, for example propylene glycol laurate; polyoxyethylene (35) castor oil, for example Cremophor™ EL of BASF; polyoxyethylene glyceryl trioleate, for example Tagat™ TO of Goldschmidt; lower alkyl esters of fatty acids, for example ethyl butyrate, ethyl caprylate and ethyl oleate; and water.

[0269] A composition, particularly a solution composition, of the invention optionally comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable fatty acid and a pharmaceutically acceptable organic amine (also referred to herein as a “fatty acid/organic amine pair”) in total and relative amounts such that the composition is finely self-emulsifiable in SGF. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that a fatty acid/organic amine pair, when present in a composition of the invention, promotes formation of charged fine-emulsion droplets upon exposure of the composition to an aqueous medium such as SGF.

[0270] Whether a composition is “finely self-emulsifiable” in SGF as defined herein can illustratively be determined according to Test III.

[0271] Test III:

[0272] A. A 400 μl aliquot of a test composition is placed into a screw-top, side-arm vessel containing 20 ml SGF (maintained at 37° C. throughout the test) to form a test liquid.

[0273] B. The test liquid is mildly agitated at 75 rpm for 2 minutes using an orbital shaker, to permit emulsification.

[0274] C. A 5-50 μl aliquot of the test liquid is withdrawn through the side-arm using a pipette and is discharged from the pipette into a sampling vessel.

[0275] D. A pump (e.g., model RHOCKC-LF, Fluid Metering Inc., Syosset, N.Y.) is used to pull the test liquid from the sampling vessel through a combination scattering/obscuration sensor (e.g., LE400-0.5, Particle Sizing Systems, Santa Barbara, Calif.) at a rate of 1 ml/minute for a period of 1 minute.

[0276] E. Emulsion particles are counted individually by light scattering in the size (i.e., diameter) range from 0.5 to 1 μm and by light obscuration in the size range above 1 μm, using the vendor's software (e.g., Version 1.59).

[0277] F. A plot is prepared of number (i.e., unweighted) or volume (i.e., weighted) of emulsion particles versus particle diameter.

[0278] G. Integration of the plot, accounting for all dilutions, is performed to estimate total number or volume of emulsion particles present in the test liquid large enough to be detected by the sensor.

[0279] H. If Test III results in about 25% or more, by volume, of emulsion particles having a diameter of 1 μm or less, the test composition is deemed to be finely self-emulsifiable.

[0280] Preferred fatty acids have a saturated or unsaturated C₆₋₂₄ carbon chain. Non-limiting examples of suitable fatty acids include oleic acid, octanoic acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, eleostearic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, icosanoic acid, elaidic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. Oleic acid is an especially preferred fatty acid.

[0281] Preferred organic amines have a C₂₋₈ carbon chain with one or two amine groups. More preferably, organic amines can be selected from C₂₋₈ alkyl amines, alkylene diamines, alkanol amines, alkylalkanol amines, glycol ether amines and aryl amines. Non-limiting examples of suitable organic amines include monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, dimethylaminoethanol, tromethamine, etc. Particularly preferred organic amines are tertiary amines, for example triethanolamine and dimethylaminoethanol.

[0282] Preferably, if present, a fatty acid/organic amine pair is selected (as to both type and amount of each component) such that when a composition of the invention is subjected to Test II, at least about 50%, more preferably at least about 75%, by volume of the emulsion particles counted have a diameter of about 1 μm or less. It is especially preferred that a substantial portion by volume of the emulsion particles counted, more preferably at least about 75%, still more preferably at least about 85%, and most preferably at least about 90%, have a diameter of about 0.5 μm or less.

[0283] A preferred mole ratio of fatty acid to amine group(s) in the organic amine is about 5:1 to about 1:100, more preferably about 3:1 to about 1:50, and still more preferably about 2:1 to about 1:10, for example about 1:1. Preferably, if present, the fatty acid and organic amine are collectively present in an amount of about 1% to about 50%, more preferably about 2% to about 30%, and still more preferably about 5% to about 15%, by weight of the composition.

[0284] It is believed, without being bound by theory, that a finely self-emulsifiable solution composition of the invention, particularly one having a fatty acid/organic amine pair as described above, will provide the drug in a form that is especially rapidly absorbable in the gastrointestinal tract.

[0285] When certain poorly water-soluble drugs are formulated in dissolved or solubilized form in PEG, it has been found that impurities can be generated during storage. For example, in the case of a celecoxib solution composition in PEG-400, the impurities have been traced to reaction of the celecoxib not with PEG-400 itself but with a breakdown product of PEG-400. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the breakdown product that reacts with celecoxib is ethylene oxide. Products of the reaction include addition compounds. It is contemplated that any drug compound having an aminosulfonyl functional group has a potential to react with a polyethylene glycol breakdown product in a similar way.

[0286] The problem of chemical instability of such a drug in a polyethylene glycol solvent, or indeed of any drug that can react with polyethylene glycol or a breakdown product thereof to form an addition compound, can be overcome by including a free radical-scavenging antioxidant in the solvent liquid.

[0287] Therefore, a composition of the present invention optionally further comprises at least one pharmaceutically acceptable free radical-scavenging antioxidant. A free radical-scavenging antioxidant is to be contrasted with a “non-free radical-scavenging antioxidant”, i.e., an antioxidant that does not possess free radical-scavenging properties. Non-limiting illustrative examples of suitable free radical-scavenging antioxidants include α-tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and salts thereof including sodium ascorbate and ascorbic acid palmitate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), fumaric acid and salts thereof, hypophosphorous acid, malic acid, alkyl gallates, for example propyl gallate, octyl gallate and lauryl gallate, sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfite and sodium metabisulfite. Preferred free radical-scavenging antioxidants are alkyl gallates, vitamin E, BHA and BHT. More preferably the at least one free radical-scavenging antioxidant is propyl gallate.

[0288] One or more free radical-scavenging antioxidants are optionally present in compositions of the invention in a total amount effective to substantially reduce formation of an addition compound, typically in a total amount of about 0.01% to about 5%, preferably about 0.01% to about 2.5%, and more preferably about 0.01% to about 1%, by weight of the composition.

[0289] A composition of the invention optionally comprises one or more pharmaceutically acceptable sweeteners. Non-limiting examples of suitable sweeteners include mannitol, propylene glycol, sodium saccharin, acesulfame K, neotame and aspartame. Alternatively or in addition, a viscous sweetener such as sorbitol solution, syrup (sucrose solution) or high-fructose corn syrup can be used and, in addition to sweetening effects, can also be useful to increase viscosity and to retard sedimentation. Use of sweeteners is especially advantageous in imbibable compositions of the invention, as these can be tasted by the subject prior to swallowing. An encapsulated composition does not typically interact with the organs of taste in the mouth and use of a sweetener is normally unnecessary.

[0290] A composition of the invention optionally comprises one or more pharmaceutically acceptable preservatives other than free radical-scavenging antioxidants. Non-limiting examples of suitable preservatives include benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, phenol, phenylethyl alcohol, phenylmercuric nitrate, thimerosal, etc.

[0291] A composition of the invention optionally comprises one or more pharmaceutically acceptable wetting agents. Surfactants, hydrophilic polymers and certain clays can be useful as wetting agents to aid in dissolution and/or dispersion of a hydrophobic drug such as celecoxib. Non-limiting examples of suitable surfactants include benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, nonoxynol 9, nonoxynol 10, octoxynol 9, poloxamers, polyoxyethylene (8) caprylic/capric mono- and diglycerides (e.g., Labrasol™ of Gattefossé), polyoxyethylene (35) castor oil, polyoxyethylene (20) cetostearyl ether, polyoxyethylene (40) hydrogenated castor oil, polyoxyethylene (10) oleyl ether, polyoxyethylene (40) stearate, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80 (e.g., Tween™ 80 of ICI), propylene glycol laurate (e.g., Lauroglycol™ of Gattefossé), sodium lauryl sulfate, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monostearate, tyloxapol, and mixtures thereof.

[0292] Additionally, compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable buffering agents, flavoring agents, colorants, stabilizers and/or thickeners. Buffers can be used to control pH of a formulation and can thereby modulate drug solubility. Flavoring agents can enhance patient compliance by making the composition more palatable, particularly in the case of an imbibable composition, and colorants can provide a product with a more aesthetic and/or distinctive appearance. Non-limiting examples of suitable colorants include D&C Red No. 33, FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, D&C Yellow No. 10, and C Yellow No. 6.

[0293] Solution/Suspension Compositions

[0294] In one embodiment, the solvent liquid, depending on the particular components present therein, is suitable to maintain a first portion of drug in solution to provide a therapeutically effective rapid-onset dose while also maintaining a second portion of the drug undissolved but in suspension. The suspended portion typically provides less immediate release of the drug and so can extend the duration of therapeutic effect, although such extended duration is not a requirement of this embodiment of the invention.

[0295] Therefore, according to this embodiment a composition is provided comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a poorly water-soluble drug, in part dissolved and in part dispersed in a solvent liquid that comprises at least one pharmaceutically acceptable solvent. In this embodiment, part of the drug is in solution and part is in suspension. The composition further comprises a crystallization inhibitor as described above, the crystallization inhibitor being present in the solvent liquid and/or as a component of a capsule wall.

[0296] Preferably, the components of the solvent liquid are selected such that at least about 15% by weight of the drug is in dissolved or solubilized form in the solvent liquid. One way of modifying a solvent liquid to increase the amount of the poorly water soluble drug in suspension as opposed to solution is to add water in an amount necessary to give the required reduction in solubility of the drug in the solvent liquid.

[0297] Depending on the relative importance of rapid onset and sustained action for the indication for which the drug is being administered, the relative proportions of dissolved and suspended drug can be varied significantly. For example, for acute pain indications, about 50% of the drug can be in solution and about 50% of the drug can be dispersed in particulate form. Alternatively, for indications demanding longer acting therapeutic effectiveness, illustratively about 20% of the drug can be in solution and about 80% of the drug can be dispersed in particulate form.

[0298] The particulate form of the drug can be generated mechanically, for example by milling or grinding, or by precipitation from solution. Particles formed directly from such processes are described herein as “primary particles” and can agglomerate to form secondary aggregate particles. The term “particle size” as used herein refers to size, in the longest dimension, of primary particles, unless the context demands otherwise. Particle size is believed to be an important parameter affecting the clinical effectiveness of celecoxib and other drugs of low water solubility.

[0299] Particle size can be expressed as the percentage of total particles that have a diameter smaller than a given reference diameter. For example, a useful parameter is “D₉₀ particle size”. By definition, in a batch of a drug that has a D₉₀ particle size of 60 μm, 90% of the particles, by volume, have a diameter less than 60 μm. For practical purposes a determination of D₉₀ based on 90% by weight rather than by volume is generally suitable.

[0300] Compositions of this embodiment preferably have a distribution of suspended drug particle sizes such that D₉₀ of the particles, in their longest dimension, is about 0.5 μm to about 200 μm, preferably about 0.5 μm to about 75 μm, and more preferably about 0.5 μm to about 25 μm. For example, where the drug is celecoxib, a decrease in particle size in accordance with this embodiment of the invention generally improves drug bioavailability. In addition or alternatively, suspended celecoxib particles in a composition of the invention preferably have a mean particle size less than about 10 μm, more preferably about 0.1 μm to about 10 μm, and most preferably about 0.5 μm to about 5 μm, for example about 1 μm.

[0301] Compositions of this embodiment can optionally comprise additional excipients such as dispersants, co-solvents, sweeteners, preservatives, emulsifying agents, etc., as described above. Further, compositions of this embodiment can be formulated either in imbibable or discrete dosage form.

[0302] Additionally, certain excipients such as suspending agents, thickening agents and flocculating agents can be particularly useful where suspended drug particles are desired, for example in solution/suspension compositions. Through selection and combination of excipients, solution/suspension compositions can be provided exhibiting improved performance with respect to drug concentration, physical stability, efficacy, flavor, and overall patient compliance.

[0303] Solution/suspension compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable suspending agents. Suspending agents are used to impart increased viscosity and retard sedimentation. Suspending agents are of various classes including cellulose derivatives, clays, natural gums, synthetic gums and miscellaneous agents. Non-limiting examples of suspending agents that can be used in compositions of the present invention include acacia, agar, alginic acid, aluminum monostearate, attapulgite, bentonite, carboxymethylcellulose calcium, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, carrageenan, carbomer, for example carbomer 910, dextrin, ethylmethylcellulose, gelatin, guar gum, HPMC, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, ethylhydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, kaolin, magnesium aluminum silicate, microcrystalline cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose with carboxymethylcellulose sodium, powdered cellulose, silica gel, colloidal silicon dioxide, locust bean gum, pectin, sodium alginate, propylene glycol alginate, tamarind gum, tragacanth, xanthan gum, povidone, veegum, glycyrrhizin, pregelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate and mixtures thereof.

[0304] In certain circumstances, it can be desirable to use flocculating agents in solution/suspension compositions of the invention. Flocculating agents enable particles to link together in loose aggregates or flocs and include surfactants, hydrophilic polymers, clays and electrolytes. Non-limiting examples of suitable flocculating agents include sodium lauryl sulfate, docusate sodium, benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, polysorbate 80, sorbitan monolaurate, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, xanthan gum, tragacanth, methylcellulose, PEG, magnesium aluminum silicate, attapulgite, bentonite, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, aluminum chloride, sodium chloride and mixtures thereof.

[0305] Discrete Dosage Forms

[0306] It has been found that the demands of a rapid-onset formulation are met surprisingly well by a preparation containing a solution or solution/suspension of the present invention encapsulated as a discrete dosage unit article. Therefore, another embodiment of the present invention is a concentrated composition, either a solution or solution/suspension, wherein the composition is formulated as one or more discrete dose units, for example soft or hard capsules.

[0307] Any suitable encapsulation material, for example gelatin or HPMC, can be used. As indicated hereinabove, HPMC can be an advantageous material for use in the capsule wall because it can act as a crystallization inhibitor upon exposure of the composition to gastrointestinal fluid. A polymer component such as HPMC is “present in the capsule wall” or is a “capsule wall component” as described herein if the polymer is (a) dispersed or mixed together with any other capsule wall component(s), (b) the only capsule wall component, or (c) present as a coating on the outside or inside of the capsule wall.

[0308] In a presently preferred embodiment, a polymer, preferably a polymer having methoxyl and/or hydroxypropoxyl substitution as described hereinabove, and more preferably HPMC, is present in the capsule wall in a total amount of about 5% to substantially 100%, and preferably about 15% to substantially 100%, by weight of the wall.

[0309] The crystallization inhibitor is preferably present in the wall in a total amount sufficient to substantially inhibit drug crystallization and/or precipitation upon dissolution, dilution and/or degradation of the composition in SGF. For practical purposes, whether an amount of crystallization inhibitor present in the wall of a given test composition is sufficient to substantially inhibit drug crystallization and/or precipitation can be determined according to Test IV, which can also be used to determine whether a particular polymer component is useful as a crystallization inhibitor when present in the capsule wall of a particular composition of the invention.

[0310] Test IV:

[0311] A. A volume of a solution or solution/suspension as described herein above is enclosed in a capsule comprising a test polymer to form a test composition, and is placed in a volume of SGF to form a mixture having a fixed ratio of about 1 g to about 2 g of the composition per 100 ml of SGF.

[0312] B. The mixture is maintained at a constant temperature of about 37° C. and is stirred using type II paddles (USP 24) at a rate of 75 rpm for a period of 4 hours.

[0313] C. At one or more time-points after at least about 15 minutes of stirring but before about 4 hours of stirring, an aliquot of the mixture is drawn and filtered, for example through a non-sterile Acrodisc™ syringe filter with a 0.8 μm Versapor™ membrane.

[0314] D. Filtrate is collected in a vessel.

[0315] E. Drug concentration in the filtrate is measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

[0316] F. The test is repeated identically with a comparative composition comprising a solution or solution/suspension that is substantially similar to the solution or solution/suspension used in Step A but which is enclosed in a capsule comprising no crystallization inhibitor (i.e. comprises no polymer or, if a polymer is present, it is a polymer such as gelatin which does not inhibit crystallization and/or precipitation). The polymer component is replaced in the capsule enclosing the comparative composition with gelatin.

[0317] G. If the drug concentration in the filtrate resulting from the test composition is greater than that in the filtrate resulting from the comparative composition, the polymer component present in the capsule wall of the test composition is deemed to be present in an amount sufficient to substantially inhibit crystallization and/or precipitation of the drug in SGF.

[0318] In addition to one or more such crystallization inhibitors, a suitable capsule wall can comprise any additional component useful in the art such as gelatin, starch, carrageenan, sodium alginate, plasticizers, potassium chloride, coloring agents, etc. A suitable capsule herein may have a hard or soft wall.

[0319] Where a crystallization-inhibiting polymer is present as a capsule wall component, the solution or solution/suspension contained therein can additionally, but optionally, comprise a further amount of a crystallization inhibitor.

[0320] Preferably, one to about six, more preferably one to about four, and still more preferably one or two of such discrete dosage units per day provides a therapeutically effective dose of the drug.

[0321] Compositions of this embodiment are preferably formulated such that each discrete dosage unit contains about 0.3 ml to about 1.5 ml, more preferably about 0.3 ml to about 1 ml, for example about 0.8 ml or about 0.9 ml, of solution or solution/suspension.

[0322] Concentrated solutions or solutions/suspensions can be encapsulated by any method known in the art including the plate process, vacuum process, or the rotary die process. See, for example, Ansel et al. (1995) in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, 6th ed., Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, Md., pp. 176-182. By the rotary die process, liquid encapsulation material, for example gelatin, flowing from an overhead tank is formed into two continuous ribbons by a rotary die machine and brought together by twin rotating dies. Simultaneously, metered fill material is injected between ribbons at the same moment that the dies form pockets of the ribbons. These pockets of fill-containing encapsulation material are then sealed by pressure and heat, and the capsules are served from the machine.

[0323] Soft capsules can be manufactured in different shapes including round, oval, oblong, and tube-shape, among others. Additionally, by using two different ribbon colors, two-tone capsules can be produced.

[0324] Capsules that comprise HPMC are known in the art and can be prepared, sealed and/or coated, by way of non-limiting illustration, according to processes disclosed in the patents and publications listed below, each of which is individually incorporated herein by reference.

[0325] U.S. Pat. No. 4,250,997 to Bodemnann et al.

[0326] U.S. Pat. No. 5,264,223 to Yamamoto et al.

[0327] U.S. Pat. No. 5,756,123 to Yamamoto et al.

[0328] International Patent Publication No. WO 96/05812.

[0329] International Patent Publication No. WO 97/35537.

[0330] International Patent Publication No. WO 00/18377.

[0331] International Patent Publication No. WO 00/27367.

[0332] International Patent Publication No. WO 00/28976.

[0333] International Patent Publication No. WO 01/03676.

[0334] European Patent Application No. 0 211 079.

[0335] European Patent Application No. 0 919 228.

[0336] European Patent Application No. 1 029 539.

[0337] Non-limiting illustrative examples of suitable HPMC-comprising capsules include XGel™ capsules of Bioprogress and Qualicaps™ of Shionogi.

[0338] Imbibable Dosage Forms

[0339] Another embodiment of the present invention is a concentrated composition, either a concentrated solution or a concentrated solution/suspension, that can be directly imbibed or diluted with inert diluents and/or other carriers and imbibed; such compositions of the invention, whether diluted or not, are referred to for convenience herein as “imbibable compositions”. Imbibable compositions can be prepared by any suitable method of pharmacy that includes the steps of bringing into association the drug of low water solubility, illustratively celecoxib, the solvent liquid and the crystallization inhibitor. As there is no capsule wall in this embodiment, the crystallization inhibitor must be present in the solvent liquid. Where the drug is celecoxib, compositions of this embodiment preferably contain about 40 mg/ml to about 750 mg/ml, more preferably about 50 mg/ml to about 500 mg/ml, still more preferably about 50 mg/ml to about 350 mg/ml, and most preferably, about 100 mg/ml to about 300 mg/ml, for example about 200 mg/ml, of celecoxib.

[0340] In a further embodiment, solutions or solution/suspensions of the invention are provided that are required to be diluted to provide a dilution suitable for direct, imbibable administration. In this embodiment, solutions or solution/suspensions of the present invention are added, in a therapeutically effective dosage amount, to about 1 ml to about 20 ml of an inert liquid. Preferably solutions or solution/suspensions of the present invention are added to about 2 ml to about 15 ml, and more preferably to about 5 ml to about 10 ml, of inert liquid. The term “inert liquid” as used herein refers to pharmaceutically acceptable, preferably palatable liquid carriers. Such carriers are typically aqueous. Examples include water, fruit juices, carbonated beverages, etc.

[0341] Drug in High Energy Phase

[0342] Low energy, hydrophobic crystalline solids, due to their highly organized, lattice-like structures, typically require a significant amount of energy for dissolution. The energy required for a drug molecule to escape from a crystal, for example, is greater than is required for the same drug molecule to escape from a non-crystalline, amorphous form or from a higher energy crystalline polymorph. Therefore, a drug in a high energy phase can be more readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood stream than the same drug in a low energy crystalline state. Importantly, however, over time and upon contact with aqueous fluid, for example SGF, drugs in a high energy phase tend to revert to a steady state of low energy, for example to a stable, low energy crystalline state.

[0343] Therefore, another embodiment of the invention provides an orally deliverable pharmaceutical composition comprising a drug of low water solubility in a high energy phase together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, encapsulated within a capsule wall that comprises a a cellulosic polymer having at least a portion of substitutable hydroxyl groups substituted by methoxyl and/or hydroxypropoxyl groups, in an amount effective to substantially inhibit crystallization and/or precipitation of the drug in simulated gastric fluid.

[0344] Whether a capsule comprises a methoxyl- and/or hydroxypropoxyl-substituted cellulosic polymer in an amount effective to substantially inhibit drug crystallization and/or precipitation can be determined according to Test II, described above.

[0345] Utility of Compositions that Comprise a Selective COX-2 Inhibitory Drug

[0346] In a preferred embodiment, compositions of the invention comprise a selective COX-2 inhibitory drug of low water solubility. Compositions of this embodiment are useful in treatment and prevention of a very wide range of disorders mediated by COX-2, including but not restricted to disorders characterized by inflammation, pain and/or fever. Such compositions are especially useful as anti-inflammatory agents, such as in treatment of arthritis, with the additional benefit of having significantly less harmful side effects than compositions of conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that lack selectivity for COX-2 over COX-1. In particular, such compositions have reduced potential for gastrointestinal toxicity and gastrointestinal irritation including upper gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding, reduced potential for renal side effects such as reduction in renal function leading to fluid retention and exacerbation of hypertension, reduced effect on bleeding times including inhibition of platelet function, and possibly a lessened ability to induce asthma attacks in aspirin-sensitive asthmatic subjects, by comparison with compositions of conventional NSAIDs. Thus compositions of the invention comprising a selective COX-2 inhibitory drug are particularly useful as an alternative to conventional NSAIDs where such NSAIDs are contraindicated, for example in patients with peptic ulcers, gastritis, regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis or with a recurrent history of gastrointestinal lesions; gastrointestinal bleeding, coagulation disorders including anemia such as hypoprothrombinemia, hemophilia or other bleeding problems; kidney disease; or in patients prior to surgery or patients taking anticoagulants.

[0347] Such compositions are useful to treat a variety of arthritic disorders, including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile arthritis.

[0348] Such compositions are also useful in treatment of asthma, bronchitis, menstrual cramps, preterm labor, tendinitis, bursitis, allergic neuritis, cytomegalovirus infectivity, apoptosis including HUV-induced apoptosis, lumbago, liver disease including hepatitis, skin-related conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, burns, dermatitis and ultraviolet radiation damage including sunburn, and post-operative inflammation including that following ophthalmic surgery such as cataract surgery or refractive surgery.

[0349] Such compositions are useful to treat gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis.

[0350] Such compositions are useful in treating inflammation in such diseases as migraine headaches, periarteritis nodosa, thyroiditis, aplastic anemia, Hodgkin's disease, sclerodoma, rheumatic fever, type I diabetes, neuromuscular junction disease including myasthenia gravis, white matter disease including multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, nephrotic syndrome, Behcet's syndrome, polymyositis, gingivitis, nephritis, hypersensitivity, swelling occurring after injury including brain edema, myocardial ischemia, and the like.

[0351] Such compositions are useful in treatment of ophthalmic diseases, such as retinitis, conjunctivitis, retinopathies, uveitis, ocular photophobia, and of acute injury to the eye tissue.

[0352] Such compositions are useful in treatment of pulmonary inflammation, such as that associated with viral infections and cystic fibrosis, and in bone resorption such as that associated with osteoporosis.

[0353] Such compositions are useful for treatment of certain central nervous system disorders, such as cortical dementias including Alzheimer's disease, neurodegeneration, and central nervous system damage resulting from stroke, ischemia and trauma. The term “treatment” in the present context includes partial or total inhibition of dementias, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, multi-infarct dementia, pre-senile dementia, alcoholic dementia and senile dementia.

[0354] Such compositions are useful in treatment of allergic rhinitis, respiratory distress syndrome, endotoxin shock syndrome and liver disease.

[0355] Such compositions are useful in treatment of pain, including but not limited to postoperative pain, dental pain, muscular pain, and pain resulting from cancer. For example, such compositions are useful for relief of pain, fever and inflammation in a variety of conditions including rheumatic fever, influenza and other viral infections including common cold, low back and neck pain, dysmenorrhea, headache, toothache, sprains and strains, myositis, neuralgia, synovitis, arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative joint diseases (osteoarthritis), gout and ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis, bums, and trauma following surgical and dental procedures.

[0356] Such compositions are useful for treating and preventing inflammation-related cardiovascular disorders, including vascular diseases, coronary artery disease, aneurysm, vascular rejection, arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis including cardiac transplant atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, embolism, stroke, thrombosis including venous thrombosis, angina including unstable angina, coronary plaque inflammation, bacterial-induced inflammation including Chlamydia-induced inflammation, viral induced inflammation, and inflammation associated with surgical procedures such as vascular grafting including coronary artery bypass surgery, revascularization procedures including angioplasty, stent placement, endarterectomy, or other invasive procedures involving arteries, veins and capillaries.

[0357] Such compositions are useful in treatment of angiogenesis-related disorders in a subject, for example to inhibit tumor angiogenesis. Such compositions are useful in treatment of neoplasia, including metastasis; ophthalmological conditions such as corneal graft rejection, ocular neovascularization, retinal neovascularization including neovascularization following injury or infection, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retrolental fibroplasia and neovascular glaucoma; ulcerative diseases such as gastric ulcer; pathological, but non-malignant, conditions such as hemangiomas, including infantile hemangiomas, angiofibroma of the nasopharynx and avascular necrosis of bone; and disorders of the female reproductive system such as endometriosis.

[0358] Such compositions are useful in prevention and treatment of benign and malignant tumors and neoplasia including cancer, such as colorectal cancer, brain cancer, bone cancer, epithelial cell-derived neoplasia (epithelial carcinoma) such as basal cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, gastrointestinal cancer such as lip cancer, mouth cancer, esophageal cancer, small bowel cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, bladder cancer, pancreas cancer, ovary cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer such as squamous cell and basal cell cancers, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and other known cancers that effect epithelial cells throughout the body. Neoplasias for which compositions of the invention are contemplated to be particularly useful are gastrointestinal cancer, Barrett's esophagus, liver cancer, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and skin cancer. Such compositions can also be used to treat fibrosis that occurs with radiation therapy. Such compositions can be used to treat subjects having adenomatous polyps, including those with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Additionally, such compositions can be used to prevent polyps from forming in patients at risk of FAP.

[0359] Such compositions inhibit prostanoid-induced smooth muscle contraction by inhibiting synthesis of contractile prostanoids and hence can be of use in treatment of dysmenorrhea, premature labor, asthma and eosinophil-related disorders. They also can be of use for decreasing bone loss particularly in postmenopausal women (i.e., treatment of osteoporosis), and for treatment of glaucoma.

[0360] Because of the rapid onset of therapeutic effect that can be exhibited by compositions of the invention, these compositions have particular advantages over prior formulations for treatment of acute COX-2 mediated disorders, especially for relief of pain, for example in headache, including sinus headache and migraine.

[0361] Preferred uses for compositions of the present invention are for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, for pain management generally (particularly post-oral surgery pain, post-general surgery pain, post-orthopedic surgery pain, and acute flares of osteoarthritis), for prevention and treatment of headache and migraine, for treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and for colon cancer chemoprevention.

[0362] For treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, such compositions of the invention can be used to provide a daily dosage of celecoxib of about 50 mg to about 1000 mg, preferably about 100 mg to about 600 mg, more preferably about 150 mg to about 500 mg, still more preferably about 175 mg to about 400 mg, for example about 200 mg. A daily dose of celecoxib of about 0.7 to about 13 mg/kg body weight, preferably about 1.3 to about 8 mg/kg body weight, more preferably about 2 to about 6.7 mg/kg body weight, and still more preferably about 2.3 to about 5.3 mg/kg body weight, for example about 2.7 mg/kg body weight, is generally appropriate when administered in a composition of the invention. The daily dose can be administered in one to about four doses per day, preferably one or two doses per day.

[0363] For treatment of Alzheimer's disease or cancer, such compositions of the invention can be used to provide a daily dosage of celecoxib of about 50 mg to about 1000 mg, preferably about 100 mg to about 800 mg, more preferably about 150 mg to about 600 mg, and still more preferably about 175 mg to about 400 mg, for example about 400 mg. A daily dose of about 0.7 to about 13 mg/kg body weight, preferably about 1.3 to about 10.7 mg/kg body weight, more preferably about 2 to about 8 mg/kg body weight, and still more preferably about 2.3 to about 5.3 mg/kg body weight, for example about 5.3 mg/kg body weight, is generally appropriate when administered in a composition of the invention. The daily dose can be administered in one to about four doses per day, preferably one or two doses per day.

[0364] For pain management generally and specifically for treatment and prevention of headache and migraine, such compositions of the invention can be used to provide a daily dosage of celecoxib of about 50 mg to about 1000 mg, preferably about 100 mg to about 600 mg, more preferably about 150 mg to about 500 mg, and still more preferably about 175 mg to about 400 mg, for example about 200 mg. A daily dose of celecoxib of about 0.7 to about 13 mg/kg body weight, preferably about 1.3 to about 8 mg/kg body weight, more preferably about 2 to about 6.7 mg/kg body weight, and still more preferably about 2.3 to about 5.3 mg/kg body weight, for example about 2.7 mg/kg body weight, is generally appropriate when administered in a composition of the invention. The daily dose can be administered in one to about four doses per day. Administration at a rate of one 50 mg dose unit four times a day, one 100 mg dose unit or two 50 mg dose units twice a day or one 200 mg dose unit, two 100 mg dose units or four 50 mg dose units once a day is preferred.

[0365] For selective COX-2 inhibitory drugs other than celecoxib, appropriate doses can be selected by reference to the patent literature cited hereinabove.

[0366] Besides being useful for human treatment, such compositions of the invention are useful for veterinary treatment of companion animals, exotic animals, farm animals, and the like, particularly mammals. More particularly, such compositions of the invention are useful for treatment of COX-2 mediated disorders in horses, dogs and cats.

[0367] This embodiment of the invention is further directed to a therapeutic method of treating a condition or disorder where treatment with a COX-2 inhibitory drug is indicated, the method comprising oral administration of a composition of the invention to a subject in need thereof. The dosage regimen to prevent, give relief from, or ameliorate the condition or disorder preferably corresponds to once-a-day or twice-a-day treatment, but can be modified in accordance with a variety of factors. These include the type, age, weight, sex, diet and medical condition of the subject and the nature and severity of the disorder. Thus, the dosage regimen actually employed can vary widely and can therefore deviate from the preferred dosage regimens set forth above.

[0368] Initial treatment can begin with a dose regimen as indicated above. Treatment is generally continued as necessary over a period of several weeks to several months or years until the condition or disorder has been controlled or eliminated. Subjects undergoing treatment with a composition of the invention can be routinely monitored by any of the methods well known in the art to determine effectiveness of therapy. Continuous analysis of data from such monitoring permits modification of the treatment regimen during therapy so that optimally effective doses are administered at any point in time, and so that the duration of treatment can be determined. In this way, the treatment regimen and dosing schedule can be rationally modified over the course of therapy so that the lowest amount of the composition exhibiting satisfactory effectiveness is administered, and so that administration is continued only for so long as is necessary to successfully treat the condition or disorder.

[0369] Compositions of the present embodiment can be used in combination therapies with opioids and other analgesics, including narcotic analgesics, Mu receptor antagonists, Kappa receptor antagonists, non-narcotic (i.e. non-addictive) analgesics, monoamine uptake inhibitors, adenosine regulating agents, cannabinoid derivatives, Substance P antagonists, neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists and sodium channel blockers, among others. Preferred combination therapies comprise use of a composition of the invention with one or more compounds selected from aceclofenac, acemetacin, e-acetamidocaproic acid, acetaminophen, acetaminosalol, acetanilide, acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), S-adenosylmethionine, alclofenac, alfentanil, allylprodine, alminoprofen, aloxiprin, alphaprodine, aluminum bis(acetylsalicylate), amfenac, aminochlorthenoxazin, 3-amino-4-hydroxybutyric acid, 2-amino-4-picoline, aminopropylon, aminopyrine, amixetrine, ammonium salicylate, ampiroxicam, amtolmetin guacil, anileridine, antipyrine, antipyrine salicylate, antrafenine, apazone, bendazac, benorylate, benoxaprofen, benzpiperylon, benzydamine, benzylmorphine, bermoprofen, bezitramide, α-bisabolol, bromfenac, p-bromoacetanilide, 5-bromosalicylic acid acetate, bromosaligenin, bucetin, bucloxic acid, bucolome, bufexamac, bumadizon, buprenorphine, butacetin, butibufen, butophanol, calcium acetylsalicylate, carbamazepine, carbiphene, carprofen, carsalam, chlorobutanol, chlorthenoxazin, choline salicylate, cinchophen, cinmetacin, ciramadol, clidanac, clometacin, clonitazene, clonixin, clopirac, clove, codeine, codeine methyl bromide, codeine phosphate, codeine sulfate, cropropamide, crotethamide, desomorphine, dexoxadrol, dextromoramide, dezocine, diampromide, diclofenac sodium, difenamizole, difenpiramide, diflunisal, dihydrocodeine, dihydrocodeinone enol acetate, dihydromorphine, dihydroxyaluminum acetylsalicylate, dimenoxadol, dimepheptanol, dimethylthiambutene, dioxaphetyl butyrate, dipipanone, diprocetyl, dipyrone, ditazol, droxicam, emorfazone, enfenamic acid, epirizole, eptazocine, etersalate, ethenzamide, ethoheptazine, ethoxazene, ethylmethylthiambutene, ethylmorphine, etodolac, etofenamate, etonitazene, eugenol, felbinac, fenbufen, fenclozic acid, fendosal, fenoprofen, fentanyl, fentiazac, fepradinol, feprazone, floctafenine, flufenamic acid, flunoxaprofen, fluoresone, flupirtine, fluproquazone, flurbiprofen, fosfosal, gentisic acid, glafenine, glucametacin, glycol salicylate, guaiazulene, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, hydroxypethidine, ibufenac, ibuprofen, ibuproxam, imidazole salicylate, indomethacin, indoprofen, isofezolac, isoladol, isomethadone, isonixin, isoxepac, isoxicam, ketobemidone, ketoprofen, ketorolac, p-lactophenetide, lefetamine, levorphanol, lofentanil, lonazolac, lornoxicam, loxoprofen, lysine acetylsalicylate, magnesium acetylsalicylate, meclofenamic acid, mefenamic acid, meperidine, meptazinol, mesalamine, metazocine, methadone hydrochloride, methotrimeprazine, metiazinic acid, metofoline, metopon, mofebutazone, mofezolac, morazone, morphine, morphine hydrochloride, morphine sulfate, morpholine salicylate, myrophine, nabumetone, nalbuphine, 1-naphthyl salicylate, naproxen, narceine, nefopam, nicomorphine, nifenazone, niflumic acid, nimesulide, 5′-nitro-2′-propoxyacetanilide, norlevorphanol, normethadone, normorphine, norpipanone, olsalazine, opium, oxaceprol, oxametacine, oxaprozin, oxycodone, oxymorphone, oxyphenbutazone, papaveretum, paranyline, parsalmide, pentazocine, perisoxal, phenacetin, phenadoxone, phenazocine, phenazopyridine hydrochloride, phenocoll, phenoperidine, phenopyrazone, phenyl acetylsalicylate, phenylbutazone, phenyl salicylate, phenyramidol, piketoprofen, piminodine, pipebuzone, piperylone, piprofen, pirazolac, piritramide, piroxicam, pranoprofen, proglumetacin, proheptazine, promedol, propacetamol, propiram, propoxyphene, propyphenazone, proquazone, protizinic acid, ramifenazone, remifentanil, rimazolium metilsulfate, salacetamide, salicin, salicylamide, salicylamide o-acetic acid, salicylsulfuric acid, salsalte, salverine, simetride, sodium salicylate, sufentanil, sulfasalazine, sulindac, superoxide dismutase, suprofen, suxibuzone, talniflumate, tenidap, tenoxicam, terofenamate, tetrandrine, thiazolinobutazone, tiaprofenic acid, tiaramide, tilidine, tinoridine, tolfenamic acid, tolmetin, tramadol, tropesin, viminol, xenbucin, ximoprofen, zaltoprofen and zomepirac (see The Merck Index, 12th Edition (1996), Therapeutic Category and Biological Activity Index, lists therein headed “Analgesic”, “Anti-inflammatory” and “Antipyretic”).

[0370] Particularly preferred combination therapies comprise use of a composition of this embodiment with an opioid compound, more particularly where the opioid compound is codeine, meperidine, morphine or a derivative thereof.

[0371] The compound to be administered in combination with a selective COX-2 inhibitory drug can be formulated separately from the drug or co-formulated with the drug in a composition of the invention. Where a selective COX-2 inhibitory drug is co-formulated with a second drug, for example an opioid drug, the second drug can be formulated in immediate-release, rapid-onset, sustained-release or dual-release form.

[0372] In an embodiment of the invention, particularly where the COX-2 mediated condition is headache or migraine, the present selective COX-2 inhibitory drug composition is administered in combination therapy with a vasomodulator, preferably a xanthine derivative having vasomodulatory effect, more preferably an alkylxanthine compound.

[0373] Combination therapies wherein an alkylxanthine compound is co-administered with a selective COX-2 inhibitory drug composition as provided herein are embraced by the present embodiment of the invention whether or not the alkylxanthine is a vasomodulator and whether or not the therapeutic effectiveness of the combination is to any degree attributable to a vasomodulatory effect. The term “alkylxanthine” herein embraces xanthine derivatives having one or more C₁₋₄ alkyl, preferably methyl, substituents, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of such xanthine derivatives. Dimethylxanthines and trimethylxanthines, including caffeine, theobromine and theophylline, are especially preferred. Most preferably, the alkylxanthine compound is caffeine.

[0374] The total and relative dosage amounts of the selective COX-2 inhibitory drug and of the vasomodulator or alkylxanthine are selected to be therapeutically and/or prophylactically effective for relief of pain associated with the headache or migraine. Suitable dosage amounts will depend on the particular selective COX-2 inhibitory drug and the particular vasomodulator or alkylxanthine selected. For example, in a combination therapy with celecoxib and caffeine, typically the celecoxib will be administered in a daily dosage amount of about 50 mg to about 1000 mg, preferably about 100 mg to about 600 mg, and the caffeine in a daily dosage amount of about 1 mg to about 500 mg, preferably about 10 mg to about 400 mg, more preferably about 20 mg to about 300 mg.

[0375] The vasomodulator or alkylxanthine component of the combination therapy can be administered in any suitable dosage form by any suitable route, preferably orally. The vasomodulator or alkylxanthine can optionally be coformulated with the selective COX-2 inhibitory drug in a single oral dosage form. Thus a solution or solution/suspension formulation of the invention optionally comprises both an aminosulfonyl-comprising selective COX-2 inhibitory drug and a vasomodulator or alkylxanthine such as caffeine, in total and relative amounts consistent with the dosage amounts set out hereinabove.

[0376] The phrase “in total and relative amounts effective to relieve pain”, with respect to amounts of a selective COX-2 inhibitory drug and a vasomodulator or alkylxanthine in a composition of the present embodiment, means that these amounts are such that (a) together these components are effective to relieve pain, and (b) each component is or would be capable of contribution to a pain-relieving effect if the other component is or were not present in so great an amount as to obviate such contribution.

EXAMPLES Example 1

[0377] Several polymers were tested as potential crystallization inhibitors for celecoxib and valdecoxib according to Test I described hereinabove. Polymers tested include polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), MW 10,000, 29,000 and 55,000; sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na CMC), MW 250,000; dextran (MW 65,000); hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), MW 80,000; ethylcellulose A15; hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) E15; and polyethylene glycol (PEG), MW 8,000 and 20,000). Glycerin, a non-polymer, was also tested for comparative purposes. In each case, the solvent used to prepare the concentrated drug solution was ethanol and the buffered solution used in step B of Test I comprised pH 7 phosphate buffer. The sample solution in each case contained 2.5% ethanol derived from the concentrated drug solution.

[0378] As is shown in Table 1, where a high concentration (250 μg/ml) of celecoxib which, in the absence of polymer produced substantial precipitation (turbidity of 0.376), was tested, PVP 10,000, PVP 29,000, PVP 55,000, Na CMC 250,000, HPC 80,000, ethylcellulose A15 and HPMC E15 all reduced turbidity of respective sample solutions. Where a lower concentration of celecoxib (125 μg/ml), which produced somewhat less precipitation (turbidity of 0.146) in the absence of polymer, was tested, PVP 10,000, PVP 29,000, PVP 55,000, Na CMC 250,000, HPC 80,000, ethylcellulose A15 and HPMC E15 all reduced turbidity of respective sample solutions. Two lower concentrations (62.5 and 31.3 μg/ml) of celecoxib were also tested but did not produce enough precipitation in the absence of polymer to adequately perform Test I. In general, background noise in the turbidity reading accounts for a signal of about 0.03.

[0379] Testing of valdecoxib, a drug of slightly higher solubility than celecoxib, at the low concentrations of 125, 62.5 and 31.3 μg/ml did not produce enough precipitation in the absence of polymer to adequately perform Test I. However, at 250 μg/ml of valdecoxib where a turbidity reading of 0.185 was observed in the absence of polymer, PVP 29,000, PVP 55,000, Na CMC 250,000, HPC 80,000, ethylcellulose A15 and HPMC E15 reduced turbidity of respective sample solutions. TABLE 1 Test I results for celecoxib and valdecoxib with several polymers Absorbance at four drug Polymer concentrations (μg/ml) Drug (0.5% w/w) 250 125 62.5 31.3 Celecoxib PVP 10,000 0.2 0.072 0.041 0.035 Celecoxib PVP 29,000 0.118 0.064 0.037 0.031 Celecoxib PVP 55,000 0.105 0.048 0.049 0.04 Celecoxib Na CMC 250,000 0.148 0.083 0.078 0.046 Celecoxib Dextran 65,000 0.379 0.266 0.076 0.033 Celecoxib HPC 80,000 0.11 0.05 0.038 0.034 Celecoxib Ethylcellulose A15 0.085 0.06 0.039 0.041 Celecoxib HPMC E15 0.093 0.049 0.039 0.037 Celecoxib PEG 8,000 0.485 0.308 0.169 0.031 Celecoxib PEG 20,000 0.654 0.342 0.16 0.039 Celecoxib Glycerin 0.41 0.184 0.07 0.038 Celecoxib None 0.376 0.146 0.069 0.036 Valdecoxib PVP 10,000 0.321 0.032 0.034 0.032 Valdecoxib PVP 29,000 0.183 0.032 0.03 0.03 Valdecoxib PVP 55,000 0.162 0.032 0.031 0.032 Valdecoxib Na CMC 250,000 0.174 0.09 0.036 0.03 Valdecoxib Dextran 65,000 0.289 0.033 0.031 0.03 Valdecoxib HPC 80,000 0.093 0.046 0.032 0.031 Valdecoxib Ethylcellulose A15 0.052 0.033 0.033 0.033 Valdecoxib HPMC E15 0.064 0.034 0.034 0.032 Valdecoxib PEG 8,000 0.345 0.03 0.03 0.03 Valdecoxib PEG 20,000 0.433 0.031 0.031 0.031 Valdecoxib Glycerin 0.229 0.029 0.028 0.03 Valdecoxib None 0.185 0.029 0.029 0.031

Example 2

[0380] A celecoxib solution formulation SF-1 was prepared as shown in Table 2. TABLE 2 Composition (mg/g) of celecoxib solution formulation SF-1 Component SF-1 Celecoxib  200 PEG-400  300 Polysorbate 80  270 Oleic acid  70 Tromethamine  30 Water  30 Absolute ethanol  100 Total 1000

[0381] Three different test compositions, SF-1A, SF-1B and SF-1C, were prepared using SF-1. Test composition SF-1A consisted of 0.8 g SF-1 in unencapsulated, imbibable form. Test composition SF-1B consisted of 0.8 g SF-1 encapsulated in a hard gelatin capsule (Capsugel) and test composition SF-1C consisted of 0.8 g SF-1 encapsulated in a 100 mg hard HPMC capsule (Shionogi).

[0382] An in vitro test was conducted, at a fixed dilution of 1 g SF-1per 50 ml SGF, to evaluate dissolution behavior of celecoxib in the above three test compositions in a limited volume of SGF maintained at 37° C. Test composition SF-1A was dissolved in SGF which already contained 0.2% pre-dissolved HPMC. Test compositions SF-1B and SF-1C were individually dissolved in SGF containing no pre-dissolved HPMC. A constant stirring rate of 75 rpm was applied using type II paddles (USP 24). Any solid drug that precipitated in SGF was removed by filtration through a non-sterile Acrodisc™ syringe filter with a 0.8 μm Versapor™ membrane. Drug concentration in the SGF was determined by HPLC as a function of time, reflecting the amount of drug remaining in a dissolved or solubilized state (either existing as free drug in solution or partitioning into emulsion droplets).

[0383] Remarkably, the results, shown in FIG. 1, indicate that upon dissolution in SGF, the presence of HPMC (either pre-dissolved in SGF as in test composition SF-1A or derived from the HPMC capsule wall as in test composition SF-1C) effectively maintained a supersaturated solution of celecoxib (approximately 2-3 mg/ml) for at least 5 hours. In contrast, in the absence of HPMC (test composition SF-1B), celecoxib concentration was much lower (approximately 0.35 mg/ml) due to drug crystallization and precipitation.

Example 3

[0384] Two celecoxib solution formulations, SF-2 and SF-3, were prepared as shown in Table 3. TABLE 3 Composition (mg/g) of celecoxib solution formulations SF-2 and SF-3 Component SF-2 SF-3 Celecoxib  200  200 Water USP  26  26 HPMC (E5)  38 — Ethanol  113  100 PEG-400  271  322 Polyvinylpyrrolidone  47  47 Polysorbate 80  217  217 Tromethamine  26  26 Oleic acid  61  61 Propyl gallate NF   1   1 Total 1000 1000

[0385] Three test compositions were prepared as follows. Test composition SF-2A consisted of 1 g SF-2 (which already contained 38 mg/ml HPMC) in a hard gelatin capsule (Capsugel); comparative test composition SF-3A consisted of 1 g SF-3 (containing no HPMC) in a hard gelatin capsule (Capsugel); and test composition SF-3B consisted of 1 g SF-3 (containing no HPMC) in a 100 mg HPMC capsule (Shionogi).

[0386] An in vitro dissolution test was conducted as described in Example 2 (except at dilution of 1 g of test composition per 100 ml SGF, and in no case was HPMC pre-dissolved in SGF). Data, shown in FIG. 2, indicate that rapid precipitation of celecoxib occurred when gelatin capsules were used and the solution formulation contained no HPMC (SF-3A) while a supersaturated celecoxib solution (1-1.2 mg/ml) was achieved with either HPMC suspended in the solution formulation itself (SF-2A) or with HPMC present in the capsule wall but not in the solution formulation (SF-3B).

Example 4

[0387] A celecoxib solution formulation (SF-4) was prepared having components as shown in Table 4. TABLE 4 Composition (mg/g) of celecoxib solution formulation SF-4 Component SF-4 Celecoxib  200 PEG-400  442 Polysorbate 80  252 Oleic acid  80 Dimethylethanolamine  26 Total 1000

[0388] Two test compositions were prepared as follows. Test composition SF-4A consisted of 1 g SF-4 in a 100 mg HPMC capsule (Shionogi) and comparative test composition SF-4B consisted of 1 g SF-4 in a hard gelatin capsule (Capsugel).

[0389] An in vitro dissolution test was conducted as in Example 3. The results, shown in FIG. 3, indicate that a supersaturated celecoxib solution (approximately 1.5 mg/ml after 4 hours) was achieved when HPMC was present in the capsule wall (SF-4A) while rapid precipitation of celecoxib occurred when no HPMC was present in the capsule wall (SF-4B).

EXAMPLE 5

[0390] Three celecoxib solution formulations SF-5 to SF-7 were prepared having components as shown in Table 5. TABLE 5 Composition (mg/g) of celecoxib solution formulations SF-5 to SF-7 Component SF-5 SF-6 SF-7 Celecoxib  200  200  200 PEG-400  300  300  288 Polysorbate 80  270  270  232 Dehydrated alcohol  100  100  120 Oleic acid  70  70  65 Tromethamine  30  30    27.5 Water  30  30    27.5 HPMC (E5) — —  40 Total 1000 1000 1000

[0391] Aliquots (1 g) of SF-5 were individually loaded into each of several 100 mg HPMC capsules (Shionogi) to form test composition SF-5A, and 1 g aliquots of SF-6 and SF-7 were individually loaded into each of several hard gelatin capsules (Capsugel) to form comparative test composition SF-6A and test composition SF-7A respectively.

[0392] In vivo bioavailability of celecoxib after administration of test compositions SF-5A, SF-6A and SF-7A was evaluated in fasting dogs in a three-way cross-over design. Each of 6 dogs received a test composition in an amount providing a celecoxib dose of 10 mg/kg. Blood serum celecoxib concentrations were measured by HPLC at baseline and at 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, 2, 3, 5, 8, and 24 hours after administration. C_(max) (maximum blood serum concentration) and AUC (area under the curve, a measure of total bioavailability) were calculated from the data in accordance with standard procedure in the art. As shown in FIG. 4, the presence of HPMC as a component of the solution formulation of SF-7A or as a capsule wall component of SF-5A resulted in a higher C_(max) and greater AUC than that observed with comparative composition SF-6A that contained no HPMC.

Example 6

[0393] A celecoxib suspension formulation was prepared for comparative purposes as follows:

[0394] (a) 5.0 g Tween™ 80 (polysorbate 80) was placed in a volumetric flask;

[0395] (b) ethanol was added (to 100 ml) to form a mixture and the mixture was swirled to form a uniform solution;

[0396] (c) 5 ml of the uniform solution was transferred to a fresh 100 ml bottle containing 200 mg celecoxib to form a pre-mix;

[0397] (d) 75 ml apple juice was added to the premix to form an intermediate celecoxib suspension; and

[0398] (e) the intermediate celecoxib suspension was left to stand for 5 minutes, and was then shaken to form a celecoxib suspension.

[0399] Bioavailability parameters resulting from administration of test composition SF-2A of Example 3, in comparison with the comparative celecoxib suspension composition of Example 6 and with a commercial celecoxib (Celebrex® of Pharmacia) 200 mg capsule, to human subjects were evaluated in a 24-subject, randomized, four period, balanced, crossover study. A fourth composition, not relevant to the present invention, was also included in the study but is not reported here. Study duration was approximately 15 days and subjects were randomly given one of each of the four dosage forms on days 1, 5, 9 and 12; administration of each dose was preceded by an 8 hour fasting period and was accompanied by 180 ml of water. Plasma blood levels for each subject were measured at pre-dose and at 15, 30, 45 minutes and 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 hours after dosage administration. C_(max) and AUC were calculated from the data in accordance with standard procedure in the art. As shown in Table 6, ingestion of test composition SF-2A resulted in a C_(max) more than 2.5 times greater than resulted from ingestion of the comparative celecoxib suspension or the commercial celecoxib capsule. Ingestion of test composition SF-2A also resulted in an AUC 43% greater than, and a T_(max) substantially similar to, that resulting from ingestion of the comparative celecoxib suspension. TABLE 6 In vivo bioavailability of celecoxib in human subjects Commercial Comparative Test composition Parameter capsule suspension SF-2A C_(max) (ng/ml) 621 804 2061 T_(max) (hr) 2.15 0.97 1.03 AUG (ng/ml)*hr 5060 4892 7593

Example 7

[0400] Two paclitaxel solution formulations, comparative formulation SF-8 and solution formulation SF-9 of the invention were prepared as shown in Table 7. TABLE 7 Composition (mg/g) of paclitaxel solution formulations SF-8 and SF-9 Component SF-8 SF-9 Paclitaxel  60  60 PEG-400  160  150 Cremophor ™ EL  420  400 Absolute ethanol  160  150 HPMC (E5) —  50 Glyceryl dioleate  200  190 Total 1000 1000

[0401] Formulations SF-8 and SF-9 were individually evaluated in duplicate in an in vitro dissolution experiment as described in Example 2, at a 1 in 50 dilution. Data, shown in FIG. 5, indicate that rapid precipitation of paclitaxel occurred in both duplicate tests of solution formulation SF-8 that contained no HPMC, while a supersaturated paclitaxel solution was achieved in both duplicate tests when HPMC was present in the solution formulation (SF-9).

Example 8

[0402] Two paclitaxel solution formulations, SF-10 and SF-11, were prepared as shown in Table 8. Oral bioavailability (in vivo) of formulations SF-10 and SF-11 were evaluated in male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=8). All formulations were orally dosed at 10 mg/kg. TABLE 8 Composition (mg/g) of paclitaxel solution formulations SF-10 and SF-11 Component SF-10 SF-11 Paclitaxel  57    62.5 Absolute ethanol   151.5    156.25 PEG 400   151.5    156.25 Cremophor ® EL  400  417 Glyceryl dioleate  190  208 HPMC E5  50 — Total 1000 1000

[0403] As shown in Table 9, oral administration of solution formulation SF-10 resulted in a C_(max) more than 20-fold greater than resulted from administration of comparative solution formulation SF-11 and a higher AUC than resulted from administration of comparative solution formulation SF-11. Administration of solution formulation SF-10 also resulted in a T_(max) substantially similar to that resulting from administration of solution formulation SF-11. TABLE 9 In vivo bioavailability of paclitaxel in male Sprague-Dawley Rats Parameter SF-10 SF-11 C_(max) (ng/ml) 277 13.1 T_(max) (hr) 0.63 0.42 AUC (ng/ml)*hr 329 26.8 

What is claimed is:
 1. An orally deliverable pharmaceutical composition comprising (a) a drug of low water solubility; (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent liquid; and (c) a turbidity-decreasing polymer; wherein at least a substantial portion of the drug is in dissolved or solubilized form in the solvent liquid, and wherein said polymer is present in an amount sufficient to substantially inhibit crystallization and/or precipitation of the drug in simulated gastric fluid.
 2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the drug is present in a therapeutically effective amount.
 3. The composition of claim 1 wherein the drug is present in a total amount of about 1% to about 75% by weight of the composition.
 4. The composition of claim 1 wherein at least about 15% of the drug is present in the solvent liquid in dissolved or solubilized form.
 5. The composition of claim 1 wherein substantially all of the drug is present in the solvent liquid in dissolved or solubilized form.
 6. The composition of claim 1 wherein the drug is a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory drug.
 7. The composition of claim 6 wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory drug is a compound having the formula

where R³ is a methyl or amino group, R⁴ is hydrogen or a C₁₋₄ alkyl or alkoxy group, X is N or CR⁵ where R⁵ is hydrogen or halogen, and Y and Z are independently carbon or nitrogen atoms defining adjacent atoms of a five- to six-membered ring that is unsubstituted or substituted at one or more positions with oxo, halo, methyl or halomethyl groups; or a prodrug of such a compound.
 8. The composition of claim 7 wherein the five- to six-membered ring is selected from cyclopentenone, furanone, methylpyrazole, isoxazole and pyridine rings substituted at no more than one position.
 9. The composition of claim 6 wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory drug is selected from the group consisting of celecoxib, deracoxib, valdecoxib, rofecoxib, etoricoxib, 2-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-3-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-cyclopenten-1-one, (S)-6,8-dichloro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-3-carboxylic acid and 2-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-4-(3-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-butoxy)-5-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-3-(2H)-pyridazinone.
 10. The composition of claim 9 wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory drug is celecoxib.
 11. The composition of claim 10 that comprises one or more dose units each comprising about 10 mg to about 1000 mg of celecoxib.
 12. The composition of claim 10 that comprises one or more dose units each comprising about 50 mg to about 400 mg of celecoxib.
 13. The composition of claim 9 wherein the drug is valdecoxib.
 14. The composition of claim 1 wherein the turbidity-decreasing polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone and cellulosic polymers.
 15. The composition of claim 1 wherein the turbidity-decreasing polymer is a cellulosic polymer selected from the group consisting of sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose and ethylcellulose.
 16. The composition of claim 15 wherein the cellulosic polymer is hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.
 17. The composition of claim 16 wherein the hydroxypropylmethylcellulose has about 15% to about 35% methoxyl substitution and about 3% to about 15% hydroxypropoxyl substitution.
 19. The composition of claim 16 wherein the hydroxypropylmethylcellulose has about 19% to about 30% methoxyl substitution and about 4% to about 12% hydroxypropoxyl substitution.
 20. The composition of claim 16 wherein the hydroxypropylmethylcellulose has about 19% to about 24% methoxyl substitution and about 7% to about 12% hydroxypropoxyl substitution.
 21. The composition of claim 6 further comprising a vasomodulator, wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory drug and the vasomodulator are present in total and relative amounts effective to relieve pain in headache or migraine.
 22. The composition of claim 6 further comprising an alkylxanthine compound, wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory drug and the alkylxanthine compound are present in total and relative amounts effective to relieve pain in headache or migraine.
 23. The composition of claim 22 where in the alkylxanthine compound is selected from the group consisting of caffeine, theophylline and theobromine.
 24. The composition of claim 22 wherein the alkylxanthine compound is caffeine.
 25. The composition of claim 1 wherein the turbidity-decreasing polymer is present in the solvent liquid in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the solvent liquid.
 26. The composition of claim 1 wherein the turbidity-decreasing polymer is present in the solvent liquid in an amount of about 1% to about 15% by weight of the solvent liquid.
 27. The composition of claim 1 that is an imbibable liquid.
 28. The composition of claim 1 further comprising a water-soluble capsule wall wherein the drug and solvent liquid are encapsulated.
 29. The composition of claim 28 wherein the turbidity-decreasing polymer is present in the capsule wall in an amount of about 5% to about 100% by weight of the wall.
 30. The composition of claim 28 wherein the turbidity-decreasing polymer is present in the capsule wall in an amount of about 15% to about 100% by weight of the wall.
 31. The composition of claim 1 wherein the solvent liquid comprises a solvent selected from the group consisting of pharmaceutically acceptable glycols and glycol ethers.
 32. The composition of claim 31 wherein the solvent is polyethylene glycol.
 33. The composition of claim 32 wherein the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight of about 100 to about 10,000.
 34. The composition of claim 32 wherein the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight of about 100 to about 1,000.
 35. The composition of claim 32 wherein the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight of about 375 to about
 450. 36. The composition of claim 32 wherein the polyethylene glycol is of liquid grade.
 37. An orally deliverable pharmaceutical composition comprising (a) a drug of low water solubility; (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent liquid; and (c) a cellulosic polymer; wherein at least a substantial portion of the drug is in dissolved or solubilized form in the solvent liquid, and wherein said cellulosic polymer is present in an amount sufficient to substantially inhibit crystallization and/or precipitation of the drug in simulated gastric fluid.
 38. The composition of claim 37 wherein the drug is present in a therapeutically effective amount.
 39. The composition of claim 37 wherein the drug is present in a total amount of about 1% to about 75% by weight of the composition.
 40. The composition of claim 37 wherein at least about 15% of the drug is present in the solvent liquid in dissolved or solubilized form.
 41. The composition of claim 37 wherein substantially all of the drug is present in the solvent liquid in dissolved or solubilized form.
 42. The composition of claim 37 wherein the drug is a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory drug.
 43. The composition of claim 42 wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory drug is a compound having the formula

where R³ is a methyl or amino group, R⁴ is hydrogen or a C₁₋₄ alkyl or alkoxy group, X is N or CR⁵ where R⁵ is hydrogen or halogen, and Y and Z are independently carbon or nitrogen atoms defining adjacent atoms of a five- to six-membered ring that is unsubstituted or substituted at one or more positions with oxo, halo, methyl or halomethyl groups; or a prodrug of such a compound.
 44. The composition of claim 43 wherein the five- to six-membered ring is selected from cyclopentenone, furanone, methylpyrazole, isoxazole and pyridine rings substituted at no more than one position.
 45. The composition of claim 42 wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory drug is selected from the group consisting of celecoxib, deracoxib, valdecoxib, rofecoxib, etoricoxib, 2-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-3-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-cyclopenten-1-one, (S)-6,8-dichloro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-1benzopyran-3-carboxylic acid and 2-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-4-(3-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-butoxy)-5-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-3-(2H)-pyridazinone.
 46. The composition of claim 45 wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory drug is celecoxib.
 47. The composition of claim 46 that comprises one or more dose units each comprising about 10 mg to about 1000 mg of celecoxib.
 48. The composition of claim 46 that comprises one or more dose units each comprising about 50 mg to about 400 mg of celecoxib.
 50. The composition of claim 45 wherein the drug is valdecoxib.
 51. The composition of claim 37 wherein the cellulosic polymer is selected from the group consisting of sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and ethylcellulose.
 52. The composition of claim 37 wherein the cellulosic polymer is hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.
 53. The composition of claim 52 wherein the hydroxypropylmethylcellulose has about 15% to about 35% methoxyl substitution and about 3% to about 15% hydroxypropoxyl substitution.
 54. The composition of claim 52 wherein the hydroxypropylmethylcellulose has about 19% to about 30% methoxyl substitution and about 4% to about 12% hydroxypropoxyl substitution.
 55. The composition of claim 52 wherein the hydroxypropylmethylcellulose has about 19% to about 24% methoxyl substitution and about 7% to about 12% hydroxypropoxyl substitution.
 56. The composition of claim 42 further comprising a vasomodulator, wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory drug and the vasomodulator are present in total and relative amounts effective to relieve pain in headache or migraine.
 57. The composition of claim 42 further comprising an alkylxanthine compound, wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory drug and the alkylxanthine compound are present in total and relative amounts effective to relieve pain in headache or migraine.
 58. The composition of claim 57 wherein the alkylxanthine compound is selected from the group consisting of caffeine, theophylline and theobromine.
 59. The composition of claim 58 wherein the alkylxanthine compound is caffeine.
 60. The composition of claim 37 wherein the cellulosic polymer is present in the solvent liquid in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the solvent liquid.
 61. The composition of claim 37 wherein the cellulosic polymer is present in the solvent liquid in an amount of about 1% to about 15% by weight of the solvent liquid.
 62. The composition of claim 37 that is an imbibable liquid.
 63. The composition of claim 37 further comprising a water-soluble capsule wall wherein the drug and solvent liquid are encapsulated.
 64. The composition of claim 63 wherein the cellulosic polymer is present in the capsule wall in an amount of about 5% to about 100% by weight of the wall.
 65. The composition of claim 63 wherein the cellulosic polymer is present in the capsule wall in an amount of about 15% to about 100% by weight of the wall.
 66. The composition of claim 37 wherein the solvent liquid comprises a solvent selected from the group consisting of pharmaceutically acceptable glycols and glycol ethers.
 67. The composition of claim 66 wherein the solvent is polyethylene glycol.
 68. The composition of claim 67 wherein the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight of about 100 to about 10,000.
 69. The composition of claim 67 wherein the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight of about 100 to about 1,000.
 70. The composition of claim 67 wherein the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight of about 375 to about
 450. 71. The composition of claim 67 wherein the polyethylene glycol is of liquid grade.
 72. An orally deliverable pharmaceutical composition comprising a drug of low water solubility in a high energy phase together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, encapsulated within a capsule wall that comprises a turbidity-decreasing polymer in an amount effective to substantially inhibit crystallization and/or precipitation of the drug in simulated gastric fluid.
 73. The composition of claim 72 wherein the drug is a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory drug.
 74. The composition of claim 73 wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory drug is selected from the group consisting of celecoxib, deracoxib, valdecoxib, rofecoxib, etoricoxib, 2-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-3-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-cyclopenten-1-one, (S)-6,8-dichloro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-3-carboxylic acid and 2-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-4-(3-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-butoxy)-5-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-3-(2H)-pyridazinone.
 75. The composition of claim 74 wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory drug is celecoxib.
 76. The composition of claim 72 wherein said high energy phase is an amorphous phase of the drug.
 77. The composition of claim 72 wherein said high energy phase is a salt of an acid or base form of the drug.
 78. The composition of claim 72 wherein the turbidity-decreasing polymer is a cellulosic polymer.
 79. The composition of claim 78 wherein the cellulosic polymer is selected from the group consisting of sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and ethylcellulose.
 80. The composition of claim 78 wherein the cellulosic polymer is hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.
 81. The composition of claim 80 wherein the hydroxypropylmethylcellulose has about 15% to about 35% methoxyl substitution and about 3% to about 15% hydroxypropoxyl substitution.
 82. The composition of claim 80 wherein the hydroxypropylmethylcellulose has about 19% to about 30% methoxyl substitution and about 4% to about 12% hydroxypropoxyl substitution.
 83. The composition of claim 80 wherein the hydroxypropylmethylcellulose has about 19% to about 24% methoxyl substitution and about 7% to about 12% hydroxypropoxyl substitution.
 84. The composition of claim 72 wherein the turbidity-decreasing polymer is present in the capsule wall in an amount of about 5% to about 100% by weight of the wall.
 85. The composition of claim 72 wherein the turbidity-decreasing polymer is present in the capsule wall in an amount of about 15% to about 100% by weight of the wall.
 86. A method of treating a medical condition or disorder in a subject where treatment with a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor is indicated, comprising orally administering to the subject a composition of claim 6, claim 42, or claim
 73. 87. A method of analgesia comprising orally administering, to a subject in need of analgesia, an effective pain-relieving amount of a composition of claim 6, claim 42, or claim
 73. 88. The method of claim 87 wherein the subject suffers from headache or migraine and wherein there is further orally administered to the subject a vasomodulator, the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory drug and the vasomodulator being administered in total and relative amounts effective to relieve pain in the headache or migraine.
 89. The method of claim 88 wherein the vasomodulator is co-formulated with the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory drug.
 90. The method of claim 87 wherein the subject suffers from headache or migraine and wherein there is further orally administered to the subject an alkylxanthine compound, the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory drug and the alkylxanthine compound being administered in total and relative amounts effective to relieve pain in the headache or migraine.
 91. The method of claim 90 wherein the alkylxanthine compound is co-formulated with the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory drug.
 92. The method of claim 91 wherein the alkylxanthine compound is selected from the group consisting of caffeine, theophyline, and theobromine.
 93. The method of claim 91 wherein the alkylxanthine compound is caffeine. 